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 ignorant:
they, too, have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive people:
they are vexatious 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 this 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 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 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 a tree and a star.
You have a right to be there.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
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 shame and drudgery and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be careful. Try to be happy.