Desiderata
Go placidly amid the noise and the 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 to 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 or 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.
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 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 dark 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 in your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
~ Max Ehrmann
@rookie54 saidAmen, Ameyn, Amin
Desiderata
Go placidly amid the noise and the 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 to the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexatious to the spi ...[text shortened]... nd broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
~ Max Ehrmann
So mote it be
@rookie54 saidThanks for reminding me what a great piece of illumination this is. Several times in my life, someone has come along and re-connected me to this writing when I've needed it most.
Desiderata
Go placidly amid the noise and the 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 to the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexatious to the spi ...[text shortened]... nd broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
~ Max Ehrmann
I've had some soul-destroying events in my life, yet inexplainably, I remain... unbroken, thanks be to God.
Invictus
By William Ernest Henley
Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds and shall find me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate,
I am the captain of my soul.
You are a fluke of the universe
You have no right to be here
Deteriorata! Deteriorata!
Go placidly, amid the noise and waste
And remember what comfort there may be
In owning a piece thereof
Avoid quiet and passive persons
Unless you are in need of sleep
Rotate your tires
Speak glowingly of those greater than yourself
And heed well their advice, even though they'd be turkeys
Know what to kiss, and when
Consider the two wrongs never make a right
But that three do
Wherever possible, put people on hold
Be comforted, that in the face of all aridity and disillusionment
And despite the changing fortunes of time
There is always a big future in computer maintenance
You are a fluke of the universe
You have no right to be here
And whether you can hear it or not
The universe is laughing behind your back
Remember the Pueblo
Strive at all times to bend, fold, spindle, and mutilate
Know yourself
If you need help call the FBI
Exercise caution in your daily affairs
Especially with those persons closest to you
That lemon on your left, for instance
Be assured that a walk through the ocean of most souls
Would scarcely get your feet wet
Fall not in love; therefore, it will stick to your face
Gracefully surrender the things of youth
The birds, clean air, tuna, Taiwan
And let not the sands of time get in your lunch
Hire people with hooks
For a good time call 606-4311
Ask for Ken
Take heart amid the deepening gloom
That your dog is finally getting enough cheese
And reflect that whatever misfortune may be your lot
It could only be worse in Milwaukee
You are a fluke of the universe (You are a fluke of the universe)
You have no right to be here (You have no right to be here)
And whether you can hear it or not (And whether you can hear it or not)
The universe is laughing behind your back (The universe is laughing behind your back)
Therefore, make peace with your god
Whatever you conceive him to be
Hairy thunderer, or cosmic muffin
With all its hopes, dreams, promises and urban renewal
The world continues to deteriorate
Give up
You are a fluke of the universe
You have no right to be here
And whether you can hear it or not
The universe is laughing behind your back
