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. Y 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. Y If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater
and lesser persons than yourself. Y 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. Y 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. Beyond a
wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. Y 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. Be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be. Y And whatever your labors
and aspirations in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your
soul. Y With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still
a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
-- Max Ehrmann |
