Steve R.
February 7th 04, 05:27 AM
If you guys want to recite the Desiderata, just post it!
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; they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive
persons, they are vexations to the spirit. If you compare yourself with
others, you may 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
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 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
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 with your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy.
Found in Old Saint Paul's Church, Baltimore
Dated 1692
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; they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive
persons, they are vexations to the spirit. If you compare yourself with
others, you may 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
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 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
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 with your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy.
Found in Old Saint Paul's Church, Baltimore
Dated 1692