Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,

and remember,

What peace there maybe in silence. As far as possible,

Without surrender be on good terms

with all persons.

Speak your truth quietly, clearly; and listen to

others, even the dull and ignorant; they too

have their say.

Avoid loud and aggressive person; they

are vexatious 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

be humble; it is real possession in the

changing of fortunes of time;

Exercise caution in your business affairs;

for the world

is full of trickstery.

But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many people

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 the 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 the child of the universe, no less

than the trees and the stars; you have

the right to be here. And

Therefore be at peace with

God, whatever you may conceive

him to be, and whatever your

labours and aspirations in the

noisy confusions 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.