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Desiderata by Max Ehrmann

Posted by James Arthur Mitchell on November 19, 2009 at 6:53pm in Art, Poetry and Expression
Greetings. This a rather well known poem. I hope you like it.DesiderataGo placidly amid the noise and haste,and remember what peace there may be in silence.As far as possible without surrenderbe on good terms with all persons.Speak your truth quietly and clearly;and listen to others,even the dull and ignorant;they too have thier story.Avoid loud and aggressive persons,they are vexations to the spirit.If you compare yourself with othersyou 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 posession 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 disenchantmentit is as perennial as the grass.Take kindly the counsel of 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 lonliness.Beyond a wholesome discipline,be gentle with yourself.You are a child of the universe,no less than the trees and stars;you have a right to be here.And whether or not it is clear to you,no doubt the universe is enfolding 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
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  • James Arthur Mitchell November 21, 2009 at 6:18pm
    No worries my dear. I was only trying to prove a point. Your rendition is quite alright but I would encourage you to read some of his other work. It's definitely worth it. Peace
  • Barron November 19, 2009 at 8:21pm
    Love it! Grew up reading on the back of my folks bathroom door! ;-)
  • James Arthur Mitchell November 19, 2009 at 8:12pm
    With this poem being possibly the most parodied in history it leads me to the inevitable conclusion that Max Ehrmann was a genius and a visionary. Truly he had something to say beyond a mere poets' flowery discourse yes?
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