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 to 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 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's 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 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 in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and
broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
For many years, Desiderata was attributed to an unknown author. Readers were informed that it had been written in the 17th century, and found in a Boston church during the early years of the 20th.
In actual fact, it was written by Max Ehrmann, a 20th century poet. The most recent copyright date I could find for it was 1927, but if that has changed, I would appreciate it if you would let me know.
Incidentally, the word "desiderata" is Latin for "things which are desirous."
-- Lynne
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