Desiderata: A Poem for a Way of Life
Go placidly among 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 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 not this 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 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.
by Max Ehrmann (1927)
Max Ehrmann was born on 26 September 1872 in Terre Haute, Indiana, United States of America. Mr. Ehrmann studied law and philosophy at Harvard University. His first book, "A Farrago" (1898), was published while he was still attending Harvard. He earned a degree in philosophy, and returned to Terre Haute in 1898, where he practiced law as a deputy state's attorney for two years. He later worked in his family's overalls manufacturing business. At 41 years of age, he put everything aside to become a writer. He wrote more than twenty books, and many poems that were published in newspapers and magazines. At 55 years of age, he wrote "Desiderata: A Poem for a Way of Life" ('desiderata' is Latin for 'desired things'). Max Ehrmann passed on at 72 years of age on 9 September 1945 in Terre Haute, Indiana, United States of America.