Desiderata
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.
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.
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.
You are a child of the
universe
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be
here.
