ME
The Desiderata is a 1927 prose poem by American writer Max Ehrmann, and it is widely used in a devotional because it talks about how one should live his life. It's neither pushy nor condescending, but instead, in a gentle tone much like how a mother would speak to her child, reminds one to "be on good terms with all persons", "listen to others, even the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story", and ultimately, to "be yourself". The poem ends with a beautiful (half) stanza: "With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world."
The poem spoke volumes to me, and I strive each day to live by it. I truly think Max Ehrmann has, in this poem, captured the true essence of what it means to live. I've reproduced it below for your viewing ease- I hope you'll enjoy it as much as I did.
Desiderata by Max Ehrmann
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 the dull and the 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 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 sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.
<♥>
Hello, my name is Mylene.
Screams
Sunday, June 12, 2011
I happened to chance upon the Desiderata (latin for "desired things") one day, quite by accident. I don't really remember the exact details, but I do remember that I wanted to search for something else and then- lo and behold!- it popped up in the search engine. Through sheer curiosity I clicked on it, and how grateful I am!The Desiderata is a 1927 prose poem by American writer Max Ehrmann, and it is widely used in a devotional because it talks about how one should live his life. It's neither pushy nor condescending, but instead, in a gentle tone much like how a mother would speak to her child, reminds one to "be on good terms with all persons", "listen to others, even the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story", and ultimately, to "be yourself". The poem ends with a beautiful (half) stanza: "With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world."
The poem spoke volumes to me, and I strive each day to live by it. I truly think Max Ehrmann has, in this poem, captured the true essence of what it means to live. I've reproduced it below for your viewing ease- I hope you'll enjoy it as much as I did.
Desiderata by Max Ehrmann
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 the dull and the 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 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 sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.