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Desiderata
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 vexations
to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others, you may become
vain or bitter;
for always there 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 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 the 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.
This page was last updated on 04/07/06
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