Desiderata

Since I mentioned that Desiderata has a great influence on my life, it is only appropriate I share it here with you. However instead of producing Les Crane's version here, which I had shared with many of my friends, I now share with you the original version, which was written by Max Ehrmann (1872-1945) in 1927. He actually named his poem as "Go placidly amid the noise and haste" but his poem is more commonly referred to us "Desiderata," which is supposed to be a latin word meaning "things to be desired" or " desired things". There are only slight differences between the two versions.


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 to 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 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 with your soul.

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

Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.


BTW, my mobile phone SMS notification ringtone is set to Les Crane's Desiderata.