Desiderata - Written by Max Ehrmann in 1927

The famous poem Desiderata was written over 50 years ago, however, the words of wisdom in this inspirational poetry still applies today.

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 & clearly; and listen to others, even the dull & ignorant; they too have their story.

Avoid loud & aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain & 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 future 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 & 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 & loneliness. Beyond wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees & 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 labours & aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul. With all its sham, drudgery & broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.


lukemiller

Desiderata - Written by Max Ehrmann in 1927 by

this is one of my favourite poems… love these words…..

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Comments

  • Shredman
    Shredmanabout 2 years ago

    wow … awesome words. I feel you are right in that even though it is old, it’s still very valid today. Words like that can be considered timeless. Any changes in our world that are reflected by time are perhaps not relevant in the ‘bigger’ picture anyway… nonetheless they seem to be the thing that we get caught up on, in our daily lives.
    This is a great reminder of what is important.

  • Erika .
    Erika .about 2 years ago

    You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees & 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.

    With all its sham, drudgery & broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.

    I absolutely love these words. The message here transcends time, it speaks to every human being. I loved reading this.

  • lukemiller
    lukemillerabout 2 years ago

    lol brilliant hey. those by the way ARE MY BLADDY FAVOURITE LINES…. sooooooooooo glad u picked them too!=)

  • colorblind
    colorblindabout 1 year ago

    yea i agree with matt .. these are timeless words that shall live on thanks for the share