The “Desiderata” (means something that is
needed or wanted) poem was originally written by Max Ehrmann. It was used by
Rev. Frederick Kates of St Paul´s Church in Baltimore in devotional materials
he compiled for his congregation. On top of this material he had written
"Old St Paul´s Church, Baltimore A.C. 1692". The year was the
foundation year of the church.
Life is so
precious and valuable. The advice given in this poem is valuable and worth some
serious contemplation. During my
college days, my friend had sent this to me and now only I could fully
understand and appreciate its relevance in life. Surely, you will find this very useful.
Desiderata
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.