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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 to 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 careful. Strive
to be happy.
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