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 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 and 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 with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
Max Ehrmann, 1927.
No comments:
Post a Comment