Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and the 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 vexatious to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter, for
there will always be greater of lesser
person 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
this not blind you for 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's as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the council 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 your aspirations, in the noisy
confusion of life keep peace with your soul
With all the sham drudgery and broken
dreams, it is still a beautiful world.
Be careful. Strive to be happy.


Max Ehrmann, 1927