Desired Things

Hello my friend,

Desiderata, written by American attorney and poet Max Ehrmann in 1927.  Wonderful credo (I believe) for life.

This poem was given to me by my father when I was very young and I’ve loved it ever since.

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 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 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 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.

I read this on a regular basis and feel no need to explain its meaning.  In any case, its relevance and meaning to you will be uniquely yours anyway.  I hope that you find wisdom and comfort in the words.

All the best,

Ed

facebook Newsletter Twitter YouTube

By the way, I don’t charge extra for typos. They are my gift to you. :-)

About eddecosta

Business and Executive Coach
This entry was posted in Living With Passion, Professional-Personal Balance, Self-Mastery, Success, Uncategorized. Bookmark the permalink.

2 Responses to Desired Things

  1. What a beautiful manuscript to read on the heels of our JMT weekend! Genuine thanks to you, Ed. Indeed I feel Edified! ❤

  2. Tracy says:

    This hung above the fireplace when I was growing up. Such powerful words written so eloquently. Thank you again Ed!

Leave a comment