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 bitter or vain, for always there
will be
greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep
interest 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
perceive 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.
