Desiderata

• 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 the dull and the 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 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 with your soul. 

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

• Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.

Max Ehrmann (1952)