The Desiderata Poem

The day I decided to put this beautiful Desiderata poem on my site was the same day our friends´ 16-year-old daughter died in a motorcycle accident.

Nanne, we shall always remember you.

Life is so precious and valuable. The advice given in this poem is valuable and worth some serious contemplation.

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, Desiderata

The Desiderata poem was originally written by Max Ehrmann. It was used by Rev Frederick Kates of St Paul´s Church in Baltimore in devotional materials he compiled for his congregation. On top of this material he had written "Old St paul´s Church, Baltimore A.C. 1692". The year was the foundation year of the church.

This probably made people think the Desiderata poem was found in the church and written in 1692.

I have written the poem on top of photos I have taken. If you are interested, click on the pictures below and you will be taken to a page where you can zoom in on the details.

Back to Homepage from Desiderata Poem

Back to Positive Quotes from Desiderata Poem

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