Desiderata - Max Ehrmann (1927)

 A friend of mine sent me this prose poem by the American writer Max Ehrmann.

On researching it, it is apparently well known and liked, although I hadn't seen it before. I liked it a lot. It seems to me to sum up a lot of good things, including compassion and thoughtfulness, humility and hope. 

And at the beginning of a New Year where everyone is looking ahead and figuring out the route to the future, this struck me as as good a compass and map as any, so I thought I would post it here and share.

Thanks NK for finding it and sending it on.

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 andclearly; 

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)