| 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 the dull and 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 the
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 perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the
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 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 there. 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 careful. Strive to be happy.
Found in old Saint Paul's
church, Baltimore Dated 1692! |