Desiderata

October 25, 2003

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 to

the dull and 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 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

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.

Found on the wall of Old St. Paul's Church, Maryland.

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As pointed out by Shambhalanath, this was written in 1927 by Max

Ehrmann (1872-1945).

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