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 the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
And if you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain ... or ... bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons
from yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep a spur of interest in your own livelihood, however humble;
it is a worthy possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let that 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.
But, neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.
And without it, there is no life at all.
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.
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.
For God, whatever you may call that marvelous entity, is, very simply... Love. Goodness. Kindness.
God does not punish, nor is it his Will to hurt us. If He does not intervene in disaster or tragedy it was our Will to accept the struggle and the universal laws of balance.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.
by Max Ehrmann, Desiderata, Copyright 1952.
The poetry below, Desiderata, contains some material you may not recognize. It is one of several versions on Google, and, because it is lesser known, I include it for your interest.
The player above, off when you open this page, may be turned on to hear the music and the Ed Ames reading, and you may also adjust volume.
Ed Ames does not speak all the exact words in this version. There are minor variations, and also two stanzas at the end which will not match his reading. However, the music after the reading is a nice accompaniment to a silent read of these words.
