Desiderita

Max Ehrmann 1927

 

Go placidly amidst
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 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 with your soul.

With all its shams,
drudgery, and broken dreams,

it is still a
beautiful world.  Be cheerful

Strive to be happy.