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 courses
with others, you may become vain or 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 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,
keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and
broken dreams, it
is still a beautify world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
Max Ehrmann, died September 9th 1945
The world-famous poem
"Desiderata" was not written in an "old church" or by an
"old church sexton" a many people thought.
It was written in
1927 by the scholar and poet Max Ehrmann, and represents his philosophy on life.
