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 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 the world is full of trickery. 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 labours 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.
10 comments:
That about covers it! ;)
Thanks for a thoughtful post at the beginning of a new year. Wise words to try and live by.
C, I used to have copies of this in my office for clients, but when I moved my office home, the book and the copies got unpacked onto a shelf so I haven't seen this in over a year - this morning someone posted it on a blog and I was so happy to see it again.
Arlene, it was serendipity that I came across this today. I love the passage and you're right, it is good for the beginning of a year.
Thank you for posting that. It is good to read it again. "Be gentle with yourself" - wise words amongst all the other wise words.
Having just had to dismiss someone, I needed reminding that the world is still a beautiful place. Thank you!
Maire, that line and what follows it is my favorite part. "You are a child of the universe..." has always made me feel my soul.
D, I love it when my serendipity hooks up with someone else's serendipity.
Billie, just the other day, when she "accidentally" dropped a plastic shavings bag on my person, the woman said "remain calm Sheaffer, the universe is unfolding as it should". You see how she twists everything to her will. It is a beautiful bit of writing, if it stays out of the wrong hands.
Oh my - The Woman is indeed a trickster, isn't she? You need a top secret laptop all your own - with a security code.
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