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 to
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 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's 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 disenchantement,
it is as perrenial 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 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 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 in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken
dreams, it is still a beautiful world.
Be
cheerful. Strive to be happy.
Authors
Details:
Max
Ehrmann
'Desiderata'
was written in 1927 by Max Ehrmann, not in 1692 as is often
quoted. In
1956 the rector of St. Paul's Church in Baltimore, Maryland,
used the poem in the course of delivering inspirational
material to his congregation. During subsequent reprints
it was asserted that it was found in Old St. Paul's Church,
dated 1692.
The
year 1692 was the founding date of the church and has nothing
to do with the poem. |
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