Desiderata

[Theunicornhunter 2]

Some people call this a poem - some prose but it is my alltime favorite little bit of writing. I have had a copy for many years and I often think of the different verses as I face some new situation or other.

 

-- written by Max Ehrmann in the 1920s --

 

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.

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

[Mike 5]

I have liked that piece since the first time I heard it. It's wonderful..In fact I have a copy of it framed and hanging in my kitchen. Perhaps not everybody knows - Gene Roddenberry had a copy of it in his office during the Star Trek years..

[APW 0]

That's beautiful.

I never read it before.

[BakulaBabe 2]

I love Desiderata. There was also a spoken version by Les Crane released in 1971. I had it, and a print of it on parchment, but I'm not sure what happened to them.

 

(I just remembered that Leonard Nimoy did a reading of it on one of his albums! I think it was the one with him as Spock on the cover. Sorry sbout getting a little off-topic.)

Edited September 6, 2005 by BakulaBabe