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The
Desiderata
Max Ehrmann
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 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 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 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 labours 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. |
