Desiderata
Desiderata by Max Ehrmann is "a poem for a way of life".
Again, it's an inspirational poem to me - it sums up self-help in a few
hundred words. Bravo!
Please let me know what you think of Desiderata
- thanks.
And you can find more inspirational poems and words
here!
Inspiring Poems
Desiderata - what Max Ehrmann has to say...
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, Desiderata, Copyright 1952.
Desiderata, a poem for a way of life is available for purchase in hardcover
at Amazon.com. "This classic book of inspiration has sold more than
190,000 copies and continues to give comfort and cheer to new readers
year after year." Max Ehrmann's other books, The Desiderata of Love,
The Desiderata of Happiness, The Desiderata of Hope, and The Desiderata
of Faith are also available at Amazon.com
Les Crane's record of Desiderata is available as an audio CD thru Amazon.com.
More Poems?
You will find
more inspiring birthday poems here
Return to more
inspirational poems page
or return to Self Help Collective
home page
How Did We Do?What do you
think to this poem
page? Please rate it below - thanks! :-)
| 
