Max Ehrmann
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 the 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 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 with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a
beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.
Max Ehrmann, Desiderata, Copyright
1952.