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Go Placidly
The photos on this page were all taken in the country of Poland.
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.
— Max Ehrmann
Max Ehrmann was born in Terre Haute, Indiana on September 16, 1872 to German immigrant
parents. He studied law and philosophy at Harvard University and returned to Terre Haute where
he practiced law. He gave up his law career when he began writing. Ehrmann wrote many poems,
but his most famous are “Desiderata” (1927) and “A Prayer” (1906). Max Ehrmann died in 1945.
He’s ranked 47th in the top 500 poets.
Using Google Trends, the tool that gauges interest in ranking of search terms, “Desiderata” has
edged out Robert Frost’s “The Road Not Taken” for first place and leaves other poems far behind.
[Info thanks to “In Search of Desiderata”, Poetry Foundation website and the All Poetry website.]
Photos are courtesy of Pixabay
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