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 (often thought to have been discovered in a church in the 1600's, but this is false. Max is the author.)
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