Desiderata (Things I Desire)

This poem has always helped me keep a level head, stay on my path. I hope it helps someone else too.

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 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 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 in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

by Max Ehrmann 1927

More info: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desiderata

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valen, 4 months ago

I’ll just leave this here. It’s Deteriorata by the National Lampoon.


<span style="color:#323232;">Go placidly amid the noise and waste,
</span><span style="color:#323232;">And remember what comfort there may be in owning a piece thereof.
</span><span style="color:#323232;">Avoid quiet and passive persons, unless you are in need of sleep.
</span><span style="color:#323232;">Rotate your tires.
</span><span style="color:#323232;">Speak glowingly of those greater than yourself,
</span><span style="color:#323232;">And heed well their advice, even though they be turkeys.
</span><span style="color:#323232;">Know what to kiss, and when.
</span><span style="color:#323232;">Consider that two wrongs never make a right, but that three do.
</span><span style="color:#323232;">Wherever possible, put people on hold.
</span><span style="color:#323232;">Be comforted that in the face of all aridity and disillusionment,
</span><span style="color:#323232;">and despite the changing fortunes of time,
</span><span style="color:#323232;">There is always a big future in computer maintenance.
</span><span style="color:#323232;">
</span><span style="color:#323232;">You are a fluke of the universe.
</span><span style="color:#323232;">You have no right to be here.
</span><span style="color:#323232;">And whether you can hear it or not,
</span><span style="color:#323232;">The universe is laughing behind your back.
</span><span style="color:#323232;">
</span><span style="color:#323232;">Remember The Pueblo.
</span><span style="color:#323232;">Strive at all times to bend, fold, spindle, and mutilate.
</span><span style="color:#323232;">Know yourself.
</span><span style="color:#323232;">If you need help, call the FBI.
</span><span style="color:#323232;">Exercise caution in your daily affairs,
</span><span style="color:#323232;">Especially with those persons closest to you -
</span><span style="color:#323232;">That lemon on your left, for instance.
</span><span style="color:#323232;">Be assured that a walk through the ocean of most souls
</span><span style="color:#323232;">Would scarcely get your feet wet.
</span><span style="color:#323232;">Fall not in love therefore. It will stick to your face.
</span><span style="color:#323232;">Gracefully surrender the things of youth: birds, clean air, tuna, Taiwan.
</span><span style="color:#323232;">And let not the sands of time get in your lunch.
</span><span style="color:#323232;">Hire people with hooks.
</span><span style="color:#323232;">For a good time, call 606-4311. Ask for Ken.
</span><span style="color:#323232;">Take heart in the bedeepening gloom
</span><span style="color:#323232;">That your dog is finally getting enough cheese.
</span><span style="color:#323232;">And reflect that whatever fortune may be your lot,
</span><span style="color:#323232;">It could only be worse in Milwaukee.
</span><span style="color:#323232;">
</span><span style="color:#323232;">You are a fluke of the universe.
</span><span style="color:#323232;">You have no right to be here.
</span><span style="color:#323232;">And whether you can hear it or not,
</span><span style="color:#323232;">The universe is laughing behind your back.
</span><span style="color:#323232;">
</span><span style="color:#323232;">Therefore, make peace with your god,
</span><span style="color:#323232;">Whatever you perceive him to be - hairy thunderer, or cosmic muffin.
</span><span style="color:#323232;">With all its hopes, dreams, promises, and urban renewal,
</span><span style="color:#323232;">The world continues to deteriorate.
</span><span style="color:#323232;">Give up!
</span>

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