Make your moves placidly, amid the noise and haste, and recall what peace there may be in not trashing apponents. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all apponents. Give all players a fair go, even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit of chess. Strive to improve your game, but avoid comparing yourself to others as you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser players than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements however humble they may be; they are a real possession in the changing fortunes of chess. Exercice caution in your games; for the world is full of trickery. But do not let this blind you as to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself, do not cheat, and if others cheat against you do not let this make you cynical about chess; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the experienced, gracefully resigning when the result is clear. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune But do not distress yourself with losses. Many games are lost from fear. Beyond a wholesome discipline be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe, no less than Kaspirov and Fisher; you have a right play chess. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt your games are unfolding as they should. Therefore be at peace with chess, however you perceive it, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
With all its frustration and times, drudgery; it is still a beautiful game, Be careful. Strive to be better.
for those who do not know it below is the very beautiful original - as well as a parody known as Deteriorata from the havard lampoon.
in friendship,
prad
The 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 to 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 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's 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 was an attorney turned philosopher-poet who live in Terre Haute, Ind. He spent his life wrestling with the realities of making a living and following his personal calling to a life of poetry, literature, and thought. He wrote A Prayer, which became a message of hope for thousands, but he is best known for Desiderata, which he wrote for himself, "because it counsels those virtues I felt myself most in need of." Max included this work as part of a personal Christmas greeting in 1933, and Desiderata's power and appeal have continued to reach out to and significantly affect readers ever since. He died in 1945.
Desiderata is still in copyright and can only be used by permission from Robert L. Bell, 427 South Shore Drive, Sarasota, Florida 34234
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 be turkeys.
Know what to kiss.....and when!
Consider that 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.
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.
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.
from The Harvard Lampoon [1972]