Desiderata - Words for Life
An old friend of mine (42 years now) just emailed me and asked if I remembered this poem. He keeps a copy with him always and says it always inspires him and he lives his day by it. I just thought I'd post it here for the few who have never heard of it and for those who have to remember it again.
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
https://allpoetry.com/Desiderata---Words-for-Life
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It still inspires me also and I remember many years ago it was a spoken song entitled "You are a Child of the Universe" that received a lot of radio play.
Desiderat
You posted this on the Collaborative Arts Forum, which means that you are seeking a photo that will match the feeling of the poem, in order to post the poem on the photo. The poem is a little long which makes it difficult to post on a photo, but perhaps someone can come up with a suitable one.
I should have posted it on the photo and arts forum. My bad. I don't know how to move the whole thing though. Next time I'll post it to the correct forum.
I haven't read or heard it in a long time.
Thanks for posting it Randy.
I remember this and liked it a lot and the parodies that followed which were pretty funny.
Good advice - most likely rarely followed.
When my friend Dave reminded me about it, it brought back so many memories. Beautiful words and great advice for living.
My memory is incomplete-- Did Rod McKuen have something to do with this? He read the words to beautiful music or something?
Just taking a few minutes to catch up on recent posts … it will be a while until I'm back in full mode (after Labor Day possibly).
It is a very wise and lovely poem. A message we should always try to keep in mind. Thanks for posting it, Randy.
And … we have not seen Randy for some time; I hope he is well.
I've been thinking about Randy for quite a while and also hoping he's OK.