The Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise 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 ignorant; they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons: they are vexations to the spirit.

If you compare yourself to others, you may become bitter or vain, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievments as well as your plans. Keep interest in your own career, however humble: it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time...Excercise 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 council 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 discpline, 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. An 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 labours and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all it's sham and drudgery and broken dreams it is still a beautiful world.

Be cheerful, strive to be happy.

Max Ehrman 1872-1945