Desiderata ["Things to be desired"]
I first read this inspirational poem framed in a calligraphy poster on the wall in a friend’s parents’ home in Newmarket, back when I was still attending York University. I read it as a positive credo for life and it spoke to the eternal optimist in me, without being naïve or condescending as some popular poems are wont to do. More importantly, it also espoused the importance of keeping a level head in times of stress or turmoil.
Desiderata is Latin for ‘things to be desired’ or ‘yearned for’ and in the context of the poem, refers to ‘essential things’. Contrary to some reference books that state the poem was written in 1692 and ‘found’ in Old St. Paul’s Church in Baltimore, it was actually written in 1927 by Max Ehrmann, an Indiana poet and lawyer born to German parents on September 26, 1874. His very copyright of this poem has undergone a conflicting history and has been challenged on numerous occasions by various bodies and authorities over the years.
Millions of people have read and appreciated this poem; I hope you will too. Enjoy!
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 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 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 with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.
Desiderata, Copyright Max Ehrmann.
