“Desiderata” is an early 1920s prose poem by the American writer Max Ehrmann
A dear friend of mine is suffering through her terminal illness and she reminded me of this touching verse.
Grounded in psychology, philosophy, and science, Lessons from Desiderata helps us to achieve some peace and joy and encourages us to learn to “be gentle with ourselves” and “be cheerful”—no matter what life throws our way.
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.
By Max Ehrmann © 1927
I came across “Desiderata”, when I was 15 years old living in Mexico. I read it over and over again, at that time in my young life, I had a realization that that was the best thing I ever had read in my life. It carried wisdom and truth and a message that you would only imagine you would hear from the Masters of the Universe. I felt so lucky to have come across such important piece of information then and for me, it still carries the same deep message now.
Hi Mary Ann, Thanks for the lovely post. I stumbled upon an old paperback with this poem and others of Max Ehrmann and it’s simply wonderful! Take care and love to you.
It was so great to read this poem again. I had a poster in my apartment at one time with the words ““Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, / and remember what peace there may be in silence” credited to Max. It remind me of the gifts we receive in silence. Thanks.