Desiderata

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, 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 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 critical 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 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 careful. Strive to be happy.

/© Max Ehrmann 1927 /