Friday, May 01, 2009

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; 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 labours 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

4 comments:

Misty said...

I have never read this before. I really liked and thanks for sharing.
Hope that you all are doing well!

Katie said...

The first time I read it was on a poster hanging in our office about 10 years ago. I loved it as soon as I read it. It is no longer on the wall here, but before it left with its owner - I printed a copy. It hangs in my cube, and I read it every once in a while.

It makes me feel peaceful, so I thought I would share. :)

Merrily Down the Stream said...

Have always love this - especially the penultimate paragraph. Thanks for posting it.

barb said...

Hey! I'm glad to see you back! This is full of good stuff, glad to see it again.
love ya!