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 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. 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 perennial as the grass.

Take kindly to 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 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 c.1926