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 to the dull and 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 bitter or vain, 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 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
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.
© 1927 by Max Ehrmann
© Renewed 1954 by Bertha Ehrmann
Used With Permission of
Robert Fox Elder
Moses & Singer, LLP
1301 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10019-6076
Telephone: 212.554.7871
E-Mail: relder@mosessinger.com
SPECIAL NOTE: You may purchase a
beautiful poster of the Desiderata from
Ink
Monkey Press. The cost is $25 plus $5 shipping and handling.
Further information is available from the owner,
Sherrie Lovler.
