“Desiderata”
Old Saint Paul’s Church, Baltimore A.D. 1692
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 others,
even 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 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 in your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
Every insightful poem. Reminds me of Baz Luhrmann’s “Everybody’s Free (To Wear Sunscreen)”. It really tells you to focus on you, don’t sweat the small stuff, and if you’re doing what you should be doing everything should take care of itself.
I love this poem! My social studies teacher read this poem to our class on his last day before his teacher exchange in Australia. It’s forever burned in my memory and I will look back at it in the future and follow Max Ehrmann’s words when life gets a little too rough.
wow ive never read thiss poem, rhanks for sharing its inspiring!
WOW i really needed to read this. I was feeling so envious of the people around me and just reading, “If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter,
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.” just opened my eyes. Thank you for bringing this to my life
“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.”
i needed to hear that. now…just need to believe it.
Very Inspiring and insightful, thank you for sharing. I think this came at a perfect time.
Thanks Alexz…i have just write it like a fb status :P