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DESIDERATA
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 the 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 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 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 cheerful.
Strive to be happy.
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