DESIDERATA

DESIDERATA

Go placidly,

Amid the noise and haste

And remember what peace there maybe in silence

As far as possible with out 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 of the spirit

If you compare yourself to 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 cautions 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

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 perennial as the grass

Take kindly the counsel of 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 shame, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world

Be careful

Strive to be happy

-found in Old Saint Paul’s Church, Baltimore dated 1601 -