How to Profit from Your Faults

by Claude-Joseph Tissot

Here is practical guidance for turning imperfections to one's advantage. Author Joseph Tissot wrote this book to help readers gain a proper sense of themselves and an accurate perspective on their own failings. Drawing on the wisdom of St. Francis de Sales and other great saints, as well as a rich understanding and broad experience of human nature, Tissot offers practical guidance for the interior struggle.

Genres: Spirituality, Catholic, Religion, Nonfiction, Theology, Esp, Self Help

140 pages, Paperback

First published October 31, 2004

About the author

Claude Joseph Tissot was a French professor and prolific philosophical writer based in Dijon, where he also served as dean of the Faculty of Letters. He is best known for his translations of Immanuel Kant, which contributed to the dissemination of German philosophy in France. A man of broad cultural interests, Tissot was also an amateur sculptor and a friend of Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux, with whom he shared artistic affinities. He stood as a witness—alongside Alexandre Dumas fils—at Carpeaux's wedding. His son, Charles Joseph Tissot, later became a diplomat stationed in Rome.

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this book up at my retreat, and it was just what I needed. I found I was slipping into discouragement and anger at my repeated faults.

While this book wasn't written by St. Francis de Sales, it is based mainly on his teachings, with many quotes. I've had difficulty in the past reading his "Introduction to the Devout Life" because I would get so (don't be surprised)discouraged. But reading how encouraging and loving he was as a spiritual father and more explanations on the development of the spiritual life, I think I might be able to tackle Introduction now.

[Andrew Starr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally finished this book, becauseI wanted to read it slowly. So much to gain! As a bit of a perfectionist, I have often felt disappointed in myself. I have rarely let that disappointment ruin my hope or take me to despair, but this book helped me fight my perfectionism with all the right tools:

1. Not being surprised by my mistakes - the shock alone can lead to deeper feelings of disappointment and despair, but anticipating that everything will not go as planned helped me move through (not around) disappointment faster.

2. Not letting my faults upset me - it helps to have a spiritual director to see when I am being too harsh on myself while recognizing my failure with compassion at the same time. The less I am disturbed by my failures or faults, the faster and easier I could move past them.

3. Seeing my purpose as love and service helps me to persevere through the hard times. Knowing that God reaches down to me with mercy when I am too hard on myself gives me the love I want to spread more love. I remembered that life is an adventure, a journey, that is learned through experience, and that when I dedicate myself to love and service without reserve, I feel most alive. Other goals are good, but to the end that I am providing affection and help to my family, friends, co-workers, and patients, I am most happy.

I would recommend this book to anyone who has attempted to struggle with the spiritual path of humility, compassion, and truth. I would also recommend it to anyone who feels disheartened by their past.

[Ameetha Widdershins · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most gentle and impactful spiritual books I've read, encouraging for sinners and melancholics like me. The words are kind and simple but leave their mark deep. I imagine I will turn to this book for consolation and growth regularly.

[Alessandra Anyzewski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Várias reflexões sobre como o que nos faz imperfeitos ser justamente nosso passe para nos aproximar dos céus. Sem pecado não há confissão, não há remissão e não há a prova do Amor maior.
O último capítulo sobre o papel de Maria nisso tudo é a chave de ouro.
Lerei trechos novamente, e daria de presente para pessoas que estejam em evolução na Fé católica.

[Nacho · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dentro de un plan que me propuse hace meses de ir leyendo libros que ayuden a transmitir esperanza, este libro entra en el TOP 3, claramente. No lo había leído nunca y entiendo fácil por qué se trata de un clásico de espiritualidad.
Un 20 sobre 10...

[Javier G.-Verdugo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Libro de espiritualidad muy práctico y animante, basado en las enseñanzas de san Francisco de Sales, que he vuelto a leer después de casi cuarenta años. Recomendable para todos los públicos, y muy recomendable su relectura.

[Sheila Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful book worth reading. The last chapter totally changed my understanding of the Blessed Virgin and led me to love her so much more than before!

[Ivana Priego · Rating 4 out of 5]

En lo personal, muchas veces, al cometer una falta, me juzgo con dureza.

Este libro te ayuda a abrazar y mirar tus faltas con el amor que mereces, reconociéndote imperfecto y tomando ventaja de ello. Algunas frases…

“La tristeza puede ser buena o mala según los efectos que causa en nosotros. Es verdad que causa más efectos malos que buenos, pues estos son dos: misericordia y penitencia; mientras que los malos son seis: congoja, pereza, indignación, celos, envidia e impaciencia”

“Cuando veas tu corazón amargado, no hagas más que cogerlo con la punta de los dedos, no de un puñado, no bruscamente”

“Igual que a un hijo le hacen más efecto las represiones serenas y cordiales de su padre, que las airadas y secas, así también, si nosotros, cuando nuestro corazón comete alguna falta, de reprendemos con suavidad, serenamente, usando más de compasión que de enojo y estimulándole a que rectifique, conseguiremos que dé cabida a un arrepentimiento mucho más profundo y penetrante que el que pudiera sentir por medio del despecho, la ira y la turbación”

“¿Qué tenemos nosotros bueno que no hayamos recibido?”

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book that is summarized well by the title: how to extract real spiritual benefits from one’s faults and sins.

Father Claude-Joseph Tissot wrote this book but it’s based almost entirely on the works of Saint Francis de Sales.

He shows how our falls should not discourage us, but should be a means to humble our pride and confide even more in God’s love and forgiveness. Like Saint Mary Magdalene, our falls are not only a means to greater sanctity, but are indispensable for it.

Of course, we must always hate and regret our sins, just as God does. But we should not in the least be surprised when we fall — anger or surprise at our sins is actually a form of pride. We should fully expect to fall, but by falling we have the means to grow in virtue, especially humility.

Most importantly we must confide in Our Lady to purify us and heal us through grace.

I can’t recommend this book enough to all Catholics who wish to progress in the spiritual life according to the wisdom and good sense of the great Doctor of the Church, Saint Francis de Sales.

[Alicia McCallum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh, so good - life changing and transformative I would say! It’s a shorter book but not a light read, definitely requires focus. But SO worth the effort!!! One of my favourite religious books I’ve read, up there with the Jacques Phillipe books.

It’s based on the teachings of St. Francis de Sales. It talks about not being surprised by our failings, not despairing about them, and how to have true unshakable inner peace.

[Alla Kovalenko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sincerely, this is the best spiritual book I have ever read. Highly recommended: adds hope, sense and tranquility.

[Margarita García · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lo que más me encanta de este libro es como te enseña a ser más humilde notando nuestras faltas y que necesitamos de Dios, pero esto nos debe animar a querer ser mejores personas

[Colin B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recommended reading for confessors and directors; great read for everyone

[Emma Dumais · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very excellent!

[Pablo Altemir · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tres veces he leído este clásico de espiritualidad cristiana y no deja de sorprenderme. Gran ayuda para la vivencia de la vida cristiana.

[Anne-Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A spiritual classic that helps you to grow in holiness through your falls. Brilliant.

[Clayton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although the structure of this spiritual meditation is not very linear, and seems to be more of an immersion in a few key ideas than a treasure chest of different insights, it's a very worthwhile read, especially for anyone getting discouraged by the experience or perception of not making much progress in the spiritual life. The book weaves together quotes from a number of saints and theologians -- but primarily from Saint Francis de Sales -- exploring the thesis that our faults don't doom us to failure in the spiritual life, but can be a valuable impetus to humility and growth in holiness. This late-nineteenth-century book, written in a style more flowery than the twenty-first century reader may appreciate, is still a unique and welcome reminder that as Adam's fault was happy, ours can be as well. The final chapter, on Mary's role as mother of sinners, is especially beautiful... I count it among the most inspiring passages of Marian meditation I have ever read.

[Adolfo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Un constante recordatorio de que la salvación es una carrera de resistencia, dónde importa más la perseverancia que la velocidad, y que cada caída debe ser tomada con alegría pues siempre se podrá uno levantar para continuar. Hace mucho énfasis en la misericordia divina y no nuestras acciones como el medio que nos lleva al anhelado premio, guiándonos con los comentarios de San Francisco de Sales y otros santos.

[Rodrigo Munévar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Increíbles consejos consoladores y llenos de esperanza para combatir el desánimo y la tristeza que nos vienen producto del pecado. Un libro pequeño pero lleno de sabiduría que vale la pena tener para que una vez leído poder volver a él cada vez que sea necesario y que el alma requiera recordar cuánto es amada por el Señor Jesús.

[Claudia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Me gusto! :)

[Miguel Gutiérrez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Muy buen libro para profundizar en la misericordia de Dios y ¡Recomenzar!