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"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 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 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.
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