Desiderata by Max Ehrmann

This poem really resonates with us as it reminds us to be kind, respectful, accepting and honest and most importantly to be yourself!

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.

15 thoughts on “Desiderata by Max Ehrmann

  1. Thank you for linking my post mate!
    In the last few days of my life,
    I found something eternal inside
    The word God is resonating in me
    Maybe that’s why he asks me to write for him
    I pray for you In his Name for all the work you do as his instrument.Amen.

  2. It’s beautiful and a copy is on my fridge! I referred to it in the speech I gave at my mum’s wedding – one of most profound yet simplest things I’ve ever read. I always try to remember the lessons, especially about life unfolding as it should

  3. hi, im so so so sorry i cant reply to your comment bc it got deleted (again, im sorry because my laptop is too old and stuff happens), yeah, im glad that i didn’t got blind by the eclipse, because that moment i was like, “dang it, what if i cant see connor franta’s face again?” so, yeah. thank you for reading my post, bless u 😉

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