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 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 (1872-1945)
