Monday, December 07, 2009

Desiderata-Words for life


I was given this book as a gift years ago and it is still so great to go back and re-read. I have given it as gifts and it has been received well. It was photo illustrated by Marc Tauss. The pictures are beautiful!! It seems it is only offered on Amazon in Spanish. But the link takes you to Ebay. It has many used copies. I am sure there are many more beautifully illustrated versions as well.

Desiderata

Max Ehrmann


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.

2 comments:

Wini said...

This is a beautiful poem, very wise, inspiring and filled with truth. I didn't know there was a book. It looks good. Thanks for sharing!

Mousy Brown said...

What a lovely way to look at life and what a perfect time to post it! At the moment it can be quite difficult ' in the noisy confusion of life,keep peace in your soul.' Thank you for reminding me :)