24 March, 2009

Desiderata the Poem(Full Text)

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.
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.
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 in your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy

Written by Max Ehrmann, a poet and lawyer from Terre Haute, Indiana, who lived from 1872 to 1945

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5 comments:

  1. The Desiderata is my favorite poem and I haven't read or recited it in a long time. Thanks for brightening my day!

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  2. hi, nice poem you've gt here.. like your blog too.. wanna exchange link?

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  3. the poem is actually one of my favourites: unmatched in its power to motivate, thanks guys for visiting, you can follow my blog to be frequently updated!

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  4. Thanks for refreshing my memory, a Nairobian!

    Cheers,

    Mama Shujaa.

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  5. I've carried a miniature version in my wallet for many years and I pull it out occasionally to refresh my recollection when I need to be reminded that I am not central to the workings of the world. I can take things at a slightly less frantic pace even when the world seems out of control. I am reminded to treat those I consider less intelligent with respect and to do whatever good I can but to be gentle with myself... well it says it better. I'm glad others enjoy it too.

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