Desiderata

Restored from the Empower Network archive (2011–2017), lightly edited to meet our current advertising standards. Views are the original author’s.

Desiderata is the famous poem written by Max Ehrmann in 1927. Meaning “things that are desired”.  Max Ehrmann wrote it for himself, as he said “Because it counsels those virtues I felt most in need of.”  Desiderata urges people to see the beauty and troubles of the world through wise, hopeful and compassionate eyes.  The Desiderata poem has touched countless people since it was written in 1927.

Understanding

Some things last forever, others are like two ships passing in the night.  In this case, I wish to pass along a poem that was written on the wall of an old stone church in Baltimore, Maryland.  It has been a guiding light for me and members of my family over the years. For that I wish to thank, not only the author, but a Grandmother, close to us, who discovered it many years ago and passed it along.

Below is the text that appears on the above image

Desiderata 

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.