The 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 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
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, 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 cheerful.
Strive to be happy.
Desiderata
- Max Ehrmann 1927
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