Desiderata - Max Ehrmann, 1928
Go Placidly amid the noise & 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 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 higher idea;s 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 perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of 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 disciple be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less that the tress and 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, what ever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labours and aspirations in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace with the soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
Go Placidly amid the noise & 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 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 higher idea;s 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 perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of 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 disciple be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less that the tress and 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, what ever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labours and aspirations in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace with the soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
Such important words in such a busy time. It's so easy for me to question and doubt myself/efforts, to feel harried and distraught. This brought a wonderful peace for which I thank you.
ReplyDeleteA very timely post indeed....... I used to have these words on a poster (like half my generation I suspect)on my bedroom wall, but only now that I am a little older and perhaps wiser, I read them with more understanding. Thankyou for the reminder (and have a Merry Christmas too!!)
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