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The following is one of my favorite pieces of work!

DESIDERATA

by Max Ehrmann

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,

for they too have their story.

AVOID loud and aggressive persons,

they are vexations to the spirit.

If you compare yourself to others

you will 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 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 aridity and disenchantment,

it is perennial as the grass.

TAKE kindly the counsel of years,

surrender the things of youth.

Nurture strength of spirit

to shield you in times of sudden misfortune.

BUT DO NOT distress yourself with imaginings;

for 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 this noisy confusion of life,

keep peace with your soul.

WITH all its Sham,

Drudgery, and Broken Dreams,

it is still a beautiful world.

Be careful.

Strive to be happy.

Desiderata was written by Max Ehrmann in the early 1920's. In the 1950's a copy of Desiderata was found by Rev Frederick Kates who became rector of St Paul's church, Baltimore (founded 1692). He included Desiderata on a sheet of devotional material he distributed on a page headed "Old St Paul's Church, Baltimore...1692." This has led to Desiderata often being incorrectly attributed.