Desiderata
By Max Ehrmann - 1872-1945
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 there will always 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 imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue & 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 within your soul. |
With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. |
Be careful. Strive to be happy. |