Tuesday 17 December 2013

DESIDERATA

Desiderata by Max Erhman
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 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.

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