| :: DESIDERATA :: Go placidly amid the noise & haste, And remember what peace there may be silence, As far as possible, without surrender, Be on good term with all persons. Speak your truth quietly & clearly. And listen to others, Even the dull & ignorant; They too have their story. Avoid loud & aggressive persons, They are vexatious to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, You may become vain & bitter; For always there will be greater & 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 times. Excreise cautions in your business affairs; For the world is full of trickery. And let this not blind you to what virtues there is; Many persons strive for high ideals; And everyhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; For in the face off all aridity & disenchanttment, It is as perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, Gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurtunes the strength of spirit, To shield you in sudden misfortunes. But do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue & loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, Be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, No less than the trees & the stars; You have a right to be here. And weather 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 labours & aspirations, In the noisy confusion of life, Keep peace with your soul. With its sham, drugdery & broken dreams, It is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy. |