Max Ehrmann: 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 the 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 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/her 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.

Author: Max Ehrmann

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