Home > Desiderata

Desiderata

 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 the dull and ignorant; they too have their story.  Avoid loud and
 aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.  If you compare yourself to 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 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 the strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with
 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 labours and
 aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace with your soul. With all its shams, drudgery and
 broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Strive to be happy.
        

 

 

 

 

 

Reputed to have been found in Old St. Paul's Church, Baltimore, dated 1692