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 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 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.
(c) Max Ehrman 1926
Pause For Thought:
1. When did you first discover The Desiderata?
2. What has The Desiderata done for you to help your life?
3. Which lines particularly motivate you?
4. Has The Desiderata made you a better person?
5. If you could add an extra line to The Desiderata, what would you write?
great words, this is called food for thought. Let me also add that every one is uniquely unique in this life, so dont try to be like some one else rather only strive to be your best. Know that you are not in competition with any one but with your past. Please check out my blog www.proinvestors.blogspot.com this is where investors get the best information and advice on investment. Also drop me a comment, thanks.
ReplyDeleteHi Patrick, Thank you, what great work you have done..I saw your refernec to this blog spot on FB, and had to come check it out. I just wanted to let you know, within your Desiderata print above, just note...The line " Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexatious to the spirit" I believe you may have mis-spelled vexatious....
ReplyDeleteDesiderate has made a profound difference in my life as I have encountered many struggles and over-come them at a young age, and It touches my soul and it is truly all that matters to me on a daily basis to live by these simple principles, and what a blessing, if our spirit is already willing and we have the knowledge, we can all practice this. I have aframed copy in my entry way, on antiquish paper, gift from my mother, and It is my most prized item in my entire home. Thank you for acknowledging and sharing the same inspiration and joy...
Annie