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| Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, |
| and remember what peace there may be in silence. |
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| As far as possible, without surrender, |
| be on good terms with all persons. |
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| Speak your truth quietly and clearly; |
| and listen to others, even to the dull and ignorant; |
| they too have their story. |
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| Avoid loud and aggressive persons; |
| they are vexations to the spirit. |
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| If you compare yourself with others, |
| you may become vain or bitter, |
| for always there will be |
| greater and lesser persons |
| than yourself. |
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| Enjoy your achievements |
| as well as your plans. |
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| Keep interested in your own career, however humble; |
| it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. |
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| Exercise caution in your business affairs, |
| for the world is full of trickery. |
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| But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; |
| many persons strive for high ideals, |
| and everywhere life is full of heroism. |
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| Be yourself. |
| Especially do not feign affection. |
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| Neither be cynical of love; |
| for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, |
| it is as perennial as the grass. |
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| Take kindly the counsel of years, |
| gracefully surrendering the things of youth. |
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| Nurture strength of spirit |
| to shield you in sudden misfortune. |
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| Do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. |
| Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. |
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| Beyond a wholesome discipline, |
| be gentle with yourself. |
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| You are a child of the universe, |
| no less than the trees and the stars; |
| you have a right to be here. |
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| And whether or not it is clear to you, |
| no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. |
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| Therefore be at peace with God, |
| whatever you conceive Him to be. |
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| And whatever your labors and aspirations, |
| in the noisy confusion of life, |
| keep peace in your soul. |
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| With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, |
| it is still a beautiful world. |
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| Be cheerful. |
| Strive to be happy. |
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| from The Poems of Max Ehrman |
| (Boston: Humphries, c. 1948) |
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