My sister shared this with me yesterday and I thought it was pretty cool. Desiderata is Latin for things to be desired.
“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.
My 11th grade History teacher, Sr. Gertrude Joseph, whom we called “Little Caesar” gave me the Desiderate on a small card one night as she lay in a hospital bed. She was a living model for me. The wisdom she shared was to look for the good in people. She said it’s easy to find fault, look for the good. I never forgot her or her life and words.
I remember Gertie Joe very fondly too even tho I didn’t have her as a teacher. She was a true living example. I remember someone possibly Nancy having Desiderate in poster form hanging in her living room in her house on Stewart Street.
Josh –
my friend, thanks for surfing by the ccld xanga. what fun to hear a perspective from someone older and wiser 🙂 thanks for taking the time to put your good, worthwhile thoughts out there!
I miss you my friend, i hope that you are doing well…seems like forever since we have talked…anyway – thanks for writting on the blog – i REALLY appreciate it…
i hope you are doing well!
(ESFeather)
I remember this poem when I was a kid, I think Nancy had it in her living room on a poster. I was always impressed by it.