You must always think carefully about the people whose approval you want. What kind of people are they? What is their state of mind right now? When you understand this, you won't complain when they act badly without meaning to. You also won't need their praise so much. Once you see the real reasons behind their opinions and desires, everything changes. No one chooses to be cut off from truth. And no one chooses to be cut off from justice, self-control, kindness, or gentleness. You must always remember this. It will make you much more patient and calm with everyone.
Thou must continually ponder and consider with thyself, what manner of men they be, and for their minds and understandings what is their present estate, whose good word and testimony thou dost desire. For then neither wilt thou see cause to complain of them that offend against their wills; or find any want of their applause, if once thou dost but penetrate into the true force and ground both of their opinions, and of their desires. 'No soul (saith he) is willingly bereft of the truth,' and by consequent, neither of justice, or temperance, or kindness, and mildness; nor of anything that is of the same kind. It is most needful that thou shouldst always remember this. For so shalt thou be far more gentle and moderate towards all men.