“With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.”
Max Ehrmann
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 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.
“remember what peace there may be in silence.”
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.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
“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.
“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 dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
“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.
“You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars”
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.
“Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,”
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.
Max Ehrmann, Desiderata, Copyright 1952.
Oh Suzanna – I have so enjoyed your Twitter posts; they are a calm in the regular storm that is much of our world these days. This morning via one of your Tweets I found your web site, and just read “Desiderata”. Thank you for sharing this, and for the lovely photos accompanying the poem. It clearly speaks to you, and the message speaks to me loudly this morning. I will continue to draw inspiration and laughter and peace from your Tweets. Thank you so very much.
Maria Hartrich
Thank you so much Maria. I am so glad to hear that you are enjoying my twitter account postings.
Fond regards Suzanna
This is such a beautiful poem and always been my “go to” read whenever I need some sort of comfort or prop. I am 70 next year so have been going to it for a long time! Thank you for adding the beautiful pictures to it, they are just perfect.
X for Bodacious
Judy
Thank you so glad to hear you enjoyed it.
These two combined, truly , hit my heart and my soul. I would love to be able to purchase a copy . The words and photos are Spectacular together! Thank you for sharing your, life, words and photos with us.