Desiderata

Desiderata
Max Ehrmann

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

If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or 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 in your soul.


With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.



We used to have this in our old home, and I've known it ever since I could read... Now, I read it again and I realize it's a wonderful guideline for respect, and love, towards yourself and others.

Thanks Sybilline - nice to read this again. It is quite remarkable, uplifting and very wise.

Way back in the late 1960's you could buy this as a poster and I saw it in many "digs" I visited! I think we (hippies) embraced/resonated with this philosophy.

Desiderata (Latin: "desired things", perfect passive participle of desidero) is a 1927 prose poem by American writer Max Ehrmann (1872–1945).[1] Largely unknown in the author's lifetime, the text became widely known after its use in a devotional, after subsequently being found at Adlai Stevenson's deathbed in 1965, and after spoken-word recordings in 1971 and 1972.

Thanks Gofa - that explains its popularity around about that time.

Originally Posted by amy green

Thanks Sybilline - nice to read this again. It is quite remarkable, uplifting and very wise.

Way back in the late 1960's you could buy this as a poster and I saw it in many "digs" I visited! I think we (hippies) embraced/resonated with this philosophy.

You're welcome Amy :))

It is indeed wise, and I would like to think it applies to almost everyone, whatever their religion and belief :)
How I would have loved to be in the 60's, or any of the "vintage" years! Except for society's views, those days seemed so much more colorful!

Originally Posted by Gofa

Desiderata (Latin: "desired things", perfect passive participle of desidero) is a 1927 prose poem by American writer Max Ehrmann (1872–1945).[1] Largely unknown in the author's lifetime, the text became widely known after its use in a devotional, after subsequently being found at Adlai Stevenson's deathbed in 1965, and after spoken-word recordings in 1971 and 1972.

I am not surprised it was hardly known in his lifetime, people would not have liked it, especially "be at peace with God... Whatever you perceive him to be" kind of implies that he is open to different perceptions of God, one thing that the church would not have permitted...

I love this. I have it hanging on a wall in my home.

[Ninoushka]

I didn't know this poem. It's beautiful! Thanks for sharing!