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Sunday, November 6, 2011

"Desiderata"


 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 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 perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of Spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with 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 Ehrmann



~Beannaichte'
6 November, 2011


beannaichte@twitter.com

1 comment:

  1. 7 November, 2011
    ~Max Ehrmann was known for his Spiritual writings, among many other things. He was truly a multifaceted man, and developed, as such.
    Perhaps, Desiderata, (Latin,i.e., "things desired"),being one of the more recognised,of his body of work. He wrote this beautiful Spiritual piece,at the age of 54.
    It did not obtain any recognition, until after his death in 1945. I am of the understanding, his wife was responsible for its publication, after Mr. Erhmann's death. ~Beannaichte'

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