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 to the dull and ignorant;
they too have a 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 you.
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 business
affairs,
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you
to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for higher 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 aspiration,
in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace in your soul.
With all it sham, drudgery,
and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.
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