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 disenchantmentit 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.
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
ahh, it's been so long since I've read this! I had it hanging in my apartment in 1969, while I was going to university. Thanks for the beautiful flashback...and it truly is a beautiful world, despite the broken dreams. It makes me very happy to know that I believed that in 1969 and still believe it almost 40 years later.
ReplyDeleteIt blows my mind that this poem still has as such significant meaning as it did 40 years ago.
ReplyDeleteIt's beautiful, you're beautiful.
I'm printing it out!
I needed to be reminded of this tonight ~ thank you.
ReplyDeleteI'm loving your art as well ~ its full of love & joy!
I have that hanging in my hallway, and I try to focus on a sentence a day. Nice pic, too!
ReplyDeleteMiss you - things have been whacked here lately ... I'll email you soon to explain.
I've never read this in full, it is so relevant 55 years after being written. Amazing.
ReplyDelete