Cannon Beach, Oregon
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 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 careful.
Strive to be happy.
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 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 careful.
Strive to be happy.
~ Max Ehrman (1872-1945) Desiderata
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