| Desiderata
Max Ehrmann (1872 - 1945)
Written in 1927
In 1956, the rector of St. Paul's Church in Baltimore, Maryland,
used the poem in a collection of mimeographed inspirational material
for his congregation.
Go placidly amid the noise and haste
And remember what peace there may be in silence
As far as possible 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 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 all aridity and disenchantment
It is perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the 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,
Wherever you conceive Him / Her, It to be,
And whatever your labours 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 world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy. |
