Written by
Max Ehrmann
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 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 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 not this 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 imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and lonliness.
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.
Background set from
copyright
Bertha K. Ehrmann