Desiderata

By American author Max Ehrmann .. 1927 


~<>~ Go Placidly amid the noise and haste, & remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as without surrender be on good terms with all persons, 
~<>~ Speak your truth quietly & clearly, and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story. Avoid loud an aggressive persons; they are vexations to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain & 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. Exercize 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 axidity & disenchantment it is perenniil as the grass. Take kindly the council of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
 ~<>~ Nuture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue & loneliness. ~ Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. 
~<>~ You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees & 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, & whatever your labors & aspirations, ~~ in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul. With all its sham, drudgery & broken dreams it is still a beautiful world. 
~<>~Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.~<>~