Go  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 all others, even to the dull

and the ignorant; they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive  persons;

t hey are vexations to the spirit.

If you compare yourself to others,

you may become vain or bitter,

for always there will  be greater and lesser persons then 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 imaging.

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, whoever you conceive Him to be.

And what ever your labours 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 cheerful. Strive to be happy.

written by Max Ehrmann

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