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 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 council
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 borne 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 him 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 world.

Be careful.
Strive to be happy.


Max Ehrmann
1906





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