Desiderata by Max Ehrmann

Many people know the prose poem entitled Desiderata – which means “desired things” in Latin. But if you don’t, please take a moment to read it through.

Here is a little background on the piece:

It was thought that the tract was written in the 1600’s because, as a certain story had circulated, it was found in a particular church dating back to the 1600’s. And while the church dated back to then, the poem Desiderata had been placed there much later when the congregation had made it part of its meditational readings.

The piece was written by an American writer, Max Ehrmann, in 1927, and was apparently only “discovered” when found on Adlai Stevenson’s death bed in 1965. (Info taken from personal verbal accountings and from Wikipedia)

Muzer from ranDom muZing mentioned it on my blog in reference to Rudyard Kipling’s poem If, and so I thought it would be great to post here for those of you who haven’t read it and as a companion piece to If.

Woods by God; pic by Randy Mazie

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Desiderata

Go placidly amidst 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 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 with your soul. With all its shams, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful.

Strive to be happy

Max Ehrmann

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