Desiderata


Desiderata
by Max Ehrmann

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 labours 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.

Comments

Chloe said…
The second to last paragraph is my favourite. Such beautiful words! :)
R S said…
this is my FAVOURITE poem of all time. I've always loved it. If I had to live by one poem, it would be this. Such wisdom. Such beauty.
Elisa said…
Salaam Sister!
What a lovely post to read first thing in the morning :) This is just BEAUTIFUL, masha'allah!
Thank you for sharing it with us.
Anonymous said…
This is beautiful. I can relate myself to all the words written :')
Anonymous said…
So so beautiful. Reposting!
Shahirah Elaiza said…
Chloe: Beautiful indeed. In the midst of this crazy life sometimes we forget to be gentle and kind to ourselves and we forget that God placed us here for a reason =)

RS: I remember reading this a very, very long time ago but the words didn't resonate with me. Now that I'm older I definitely see it's beauty =)

Elisa: Wasalaam hun! I just HAD to share it the moment I finished reading it, so no problemo!

Nurul Izz: Happy you could relate to it =)

Sarah: Re-post away my friend =) Would be such a waste not to.