Desiderata



Go placidly amid the noise and haste and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible without surrender be good on terms with all persons.

Speak your truths quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; they to have their story.

Avoid loud aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others, you will become vein and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons then yourself.

Enjoy your achievments as well as your plans, keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changes fortune of time.

Exercise caution in your business affair; for the world is full of trickery.

But let this not 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 aridity and disenchantment, it is perennial like 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 imaginings, many fears are born of fatigue and lonliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe, no less then the trees and the stars, you have a right to be here.

And when it is not 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 labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.

With all its sham and drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.

Be careful.

Strive to be happy.


author unknown

-found in Old St. Pauls Church, Baltimore; Dated 1692


back to survival link page