Wednesday, April 25, 2012

A Favorite-Desiderata

Photo by Sarah Horne. If you steal it give me credit, fucker.


Desiderata is one of my all time favorite poems.
By Max Erhmann.
...
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 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 career, however humble. 
It is a real possession in the changing fortune of times.

Exercise caution in your business affairs, 
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.

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 if unfolding as it should.

Therefor be at peace with God, 
whatever you conceive him to be.
And whatever your aspirations in this noisy confusion of life, 
keep peace in your soul.

With all it's sham, drudgery and broken dreams, 
it is still a beautiful world.

Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

-Max Erhmann 

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