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Max Ehrmann Follow

Desiderata - Words for Life

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.

Desiderata are, technically, things considered necessary or highly desirable OR something lacked
and wanted.
The poem is a list of things desirable in life. © by owner. provided at no charge for educational
purposes

Like (27)

Likes: Temptrysse, Peter Krastins, Jocvaughan, windy2016, fantom707, Rakesh9920, Abernathi

Normas, Standing Damu, Stefanie Blackie, Rebeca Adrega, , Surreel21, Diamond 75C,
Zuzuspetals700, Mark Kinsey, Glauber Cardoso, Penny42, WilliamBlack1979, fellow wanderer,
Mr. Maximillion, Papolyt

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Papolyt - My mama had this on her wall. I read it, but did not commit it to memory. As I read this,
it feels slightly modernized, a few words. Intent similar. Am I imagining that?

Lovely
a month ago

Standing Damu - Humbleness personified

4 months ago

Surreel21 - Thank you for bringing this to Allpoetry.. I'd forgotten about it.. it has refreshed my
spirit .. perhaps, I .. one.. needs to read these truths .. once a month.. .

4 months ago

Jocvaughan - Whatever made you post this? I grew up memorizing this. I'm glad to know it still
has admirerers.

4 months ago

Peter Krastins - You are evolving incredibly in your art. Or perhaps in your being. This is an
astounding piece of work. By far my favourite of yours among many favourites. Sorry for the long
hiatus. Health glitches. Posted a few swillish ones. How have you been bro? Sounds like you are
pretty grounded. Peace my brother...

Great

7 months ago

Read more →

Penny42 - I've seen this so many times over the years, often just in fragments. It's good to see it
whole again, now that I am "gracefully surrendering the things of youth."

Thank you

7 months ago

Mark Kinsey - The undeniable truth & wisdom of these words enthralls me still as much now as
they did when first read 45 yrs. ago. This poem has given me the tools & canvas to blueprint the
qualities of honor,compassion,righteousness, & a sense of love for me,mine, & the world. It's
impact & influence in my life is second only to God & the bible. Truly & simply words for life!!!!

Mark Andrew Kinsey

8 months ago
Read more →

Zuzuspetals700 - Glad this nearly century old poem is still being appreciated. The poster hung on
my wall in the early 70s and I had (still have) the Moody Blues recording. I think it's even more
relevant forty years later.

9 months ago

Stefanie Blackie - This poem saved me

11 months ago

Amy Brouse Smith - Me too.

10 months ago

peggy greco - Awesome

2 years ago

Them Brooks - My favorite poem of all time. I've been a fan since the sixties when the group
Moody Blues made it popular and I first heard it. We actually named our homestead Desiderata.

3 years ago

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