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
ignorant; they too have their story. avoid
loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations
to the spirit. if you compare youself
with others, you may become vain and
bitter; for always there will be greater
and lesser persons than yourself. enjoy your
acheivements 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 buisness 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 affetion. 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 the years, gracefully surrendering
the things of youth. nurture strength of
spirit to sheild 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.

Desiderata