Desiderata

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 and clearly; and listen to others, even though the be 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 vain and bitter; for always there will be greater or 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 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 folding as it should.
• Therefore be at peace with your God, whatsoever 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 any broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

by Max Ehrmann

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