Desiderata

by Max Ehrmann in 1927

 

 

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; for they are vexations to the spirit.

 

If you compare yourself with others you may become bitter or vain, 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.

 

Be yourself.

 

Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love, for in

the face of 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 labours and aspirations, in the noisy confusion

of life, be at peace with your soul. With all its shame, drudgery,

and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.

 

Be cheerful.

 

Strive to be happy.

 

*emphasis mine