Desiderata
Max Ehrmann, Copyright 1952
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 the 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 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 sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
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9 comments:
Beautiful!!!
(i used to have this on my
"magnet" board...
are you in India by chance?
I am going to India in
January:)
Yes, that was Granville Island:)
Hey Sophie,
I'm not in India, but it is a dream of mine to visit there. I had thought I might make it this December actually, but you know how life goes... OH! There's another instruction for life: plan ahead, but be willing to alter the plan accordingly :-)
In college I used to have a plaque featuring Disiderata in calligraphy. Thanks for the reminder.
Max Ehrmann's work is wonderful - I've had pinned on the wall for years. It's refreshing to see that others have read his words and found the same joy.
I too used to have my own parchment scroll-like poster of Desiderata. I'd post it in my classroom, then take it down at year's end to re-roll and store in my closet til the next year--that was before the days when all schools had laminating machines in the media center. At some point it became too tattered to re-hang and I bought more up to date posters to hang. Thanks for the reminder of words I have always treasured.
This quote hung outside of my therapist's office. I always would sit and read it and it would make me calm. Thanks for reminding me of it. It's beautiful.
I loved this as a teenager, and love it still! Thanks for the reminder that it's there.
I remember reading this for the first time back in the early 60's. It nice to see it again.
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