Thursday, December 20, 2012

Desiderata

 The Human brain is such an amazing thing

My mother has this poem on a plaque in the bathroom at home. It's been there for as long as I can remember. I know that every once in awhile I would stop to read it

I haven't thought about it in a long time but this morning I woke to my mind reciting it verbatim. What ever prompted those memory cells I have no idea.....  






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 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 critical 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 careful. Strive to be happy.

© Max Ehrmann 1927

4 comments:

  1. Touching. But this one's funnier: http://www.esthermofet.com/2012/12/deteriorata.html

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    1. Damn, you beat me to it . . .
      --Verboden

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  2. Lovely poem. But you recited that from memory down to the author and copyright date? How much time did you spend in your mom's bathroom growing up? And what the hell were you doing in there all that time?

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    1. HAhahah... I was half asleep and it was just in my mind. I guess I spent waaaay too much time in the bathroom ;)

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