“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.”
1927 prose poem by American writer Max Ehrmann.
Last read at Laurel’s Blog, Laurel’s Reflection.
Image Credits : Stocksnap, Alessandro Cani, More alive via photopin (license)
The desiderata is one of the most beautiful pieces ever written . It is to be read and re-read; and every word pondered on.
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Very true, Ngobesing. A rare gem of poem steeped with wisdom and beauty!
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That is exact.
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Some very powerful writing indeed.
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Very true! 100 years after it was written, and many lessons are still relevant,
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one of my fave poem thanks for posting
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One of my favourites, too, franz. Glad you enjoyed it!
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thank you, so much for this it’s my favorite actually .
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Reblogged this on somewhere beyond the blue and commented:
sometimes we forget what really matter in our lives. Here’s a beautiful thought that will bring us home.
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Thank you for the reblog, Franz!
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the pleasure is mine.
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I can tell I am going to reap the vibe of this blog.
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Thanks for the kind comment, Robbie! Am sure we will all benefit from the sharing and discussion of everyone’s ideas and experiences!
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Hear hear
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The Desiderata was my inspirational guide during our difficult years in Guyana and remains my guiding star.
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Thanks for sharing your heartfelt testimonial, Rosaliene! Agree that Desiderata is inspirational, more so because it reminds us that while there are difficulties sometimes, there is the beautiful, and we can have peace and happiness! 🙂
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Very wise and beautiful wisdom
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Very true, TIngting! Love this! 🙂
“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.”
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I love your philosophy very happy to know another blogger striving to complete the same mission ❤
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Hi I just nominated you and you deserve this.
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Thank you very much, and congrats as well!
I seem to have a problem with akismet, so found your comment just. Happily, read your post on your blog first last week 🙂 Am scheduling to do the relevant post the Saturday after!
Thanks again!
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Your welcome 😉
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This just changed my perception about life. I didn’t know thid poem until now. Amazing. ❤
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Glad to know you enjoyed and found wisdom in the poem, Mike! It is definitely an amazing piece!
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I hope you like awards because I´ve nominated you for the Infinity Dreams Award. You can check the rules and questions here:https://chapeblog.wordpress.com/2015/11/05/infinity-dreams-award/ Have a nice day 🙂
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Thank you, Chape! Congrats, and yes, will check out the page… Have a great weekend! 🙂
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Congrats! Enjoy yours! 😀
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This has been my mantra for over forty years. Maybe if I live to be a hundred and eighty I’ll have learned to live by every wise word.
I’m glad that so many people have commented here – I recite it to people, and usually they just look at me blankly.
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Thank you, Jane for sharing your experiences. Do share your views often. The point of this blog is for discussion and awareness. It is in awareness and application of the positive that we can have the much needed lasting peace, love and happiness!
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I’ll be back. Love, peace and happness are useful aquisitions – but it’s 1.45am around these parts – prabably time for me to be in bed.
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Have a peaceful and restful sleep then, Jane! Goodnight! 🙂
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