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.
Desiderata
Re: Desiderata
Love this!! I've used some of this in the crafting of my personal code of ethics and I always require my students to read it, analyze the elemental component of each line, and decide if they agree or disagree with each statement.
- barker
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Re: Desiderata
Word.
- SnowCat
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Re: Desiderata
It was put in the Westminster High 1974 yearbook. I think a lot of us felt like we were at a turning point as a society. I think we have been progressing through a turning point as a species.
Snow
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Daughter of Sekhmet
- barker
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Re: Desiderata
Indeed. Utopia has a curious mystery... it has knowledge of history. "Jesus or Hitler" are the victor. Just like the apocalypse (Jehovah's witness) believes sex and music are the only pure thoughts... Earth can go in either direction I suppose.SnowCat wrote:It was put in the Westminster High 1974 yearbook. I think a lot of us felt like we were at a turning point as a society.