Desiderata

 

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste,

and remember what peace there may

be in silcence.

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 the ignorant, they too have

their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons,

they are vexatious to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others,

you may become vain or 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 persons

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 as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel fo years,

gracefully surrending the things of youth.

Nurture strength of spirit to shield

you in sudden misfortune. But do not

distress yourself with dark 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 or 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

Him to be. And whatever your labors

and aspirations, the noisy confusion

of life, keep peace in your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery and

broken dreams,

it is still a beautiful world.

Be cheerful.

Strive to be happy.

 

 

Written in 1927

by Max Ehrmann