Desiderata
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.
-MAX EHRMANN 1927