Friday, January 18, 2008

Some much needed wisdom!

I must have first read this about forty years ago, and have loved it ever since.
I thought it was a good time to share this with you. ( The bold part is my doing).


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, Desiderata, Copyright 1952.

7 comments:

Gauri said...

I came across Desiderata about 14 years ago and this was one of those things that really impacted me deeply.

Ditto your thoughts !!

Space Bar said...

amen to that. i have now decided to read fewer blogs for all the reasons highlighted by you!

Anonymous said...

Loved it!
Especially these lines:

You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars

Beautiful. :)

the mad momma said...

amen again. thanks for posting it when you did!

bird's eye view said...

This is a fabulous poem - thanks for reminding me of it. And I so agree with the poets advice - to be happy!

dipali said...

Everyone: I think this is something one needs to read and re-read once in a while! A much needed voice of calm & sanity.
@Bird's eye view- welcome here. Yes, one has to put in an effort to be happy:)

Sue said...

So, I see why you asked me to read this. Thanks.