Desiderata

Desiderata
_{Go placidly amid the noise and haste
and remember what peace there may be in silence.}

As far as possible without surrender

_{be on good terms with all persons.}

Speak your truth quietly and clearly and listen to others,

_{even the dull and ignorant; they, too, have their story.}

Avoid loud and aggressive persons,

_{they are vexations to the spirit.}

If you compare yourself with others,

you may become vain and bitter,

_{for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.}

Keep interested in your own career, however humble;

_{it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.}

Exercise caution in your business affairs,

for the world is full of trickery.

But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;

many people strive for high ideals, and everywhere

_{life is full of heroism.
Be yourself; especially do not feign affection.}

Neither be cynical about love;

_{for in the face of aridity and disenchantment it is perennial as the
grass.}

Take kindly the counsel of years,

_{gracefully surrendering the things of youth.}

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.

But do not distress yourself with imaginings.

_{Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.}

You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars;

_{you have a right to be here.}

And whether or not it is clear to you,

_{no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.}

Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive that to be,

and whatever your labors and aspirations in the noisy confusion of life,

_{keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful}

Image61.gif (5580 bytes) _world.

Be cheerful.

Strive to be happy.

by Max Ehrmann

[ Home ] [ Up ] [ Max Ehrman ]