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
a vexation to the spirit. If you compare yourself, 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 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 not
this 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 love is
as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrender 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 to 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 a peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labor 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.
(Copyright 1927, Max Ehrmann)