Sat, Oct 17th
2009
Desiderata
Those of us who grew up in the 60s and 70s, when Max Ehrmann’s Desiderata was a part of popular culture, may be tempted to simply dismiss it today as a somewhat hokey piece of a cloudy past. I mean, come on — I even remember it printed on a tea towel. It was everwhere.
But I still come across it from time to time, and when I stop to read it, I find it remains relevant almost a century after it was written. Here are my favorite bits; you can read the full text at onherway.
Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
[…]
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
[…]
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.
[…]
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
[…]
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.
