Desiderata
Desiderata: A Poem About Living
We have seen it framed and hung on somebody’s wall. We have studied it school. We have admired its simply penned words and the no-nonsense pieces of advice it contains.
Desiderata is a guide to living life and living happy. It actually says what our common sense is always telling us. There are no frills, just truths and facts about living.
Desiderata was written by Max Ehrmann. He was a lawyer from Indiana. Ehrmann did not even gain popularity from Desiderata while he was alive.
It used to be a popular belief that the author of the poem is unknown and that it was found in an old church in Baltimore, Maryland. This version certainly gave the Desiderata an air of mystery. It just makes one wonder who could have written such a poem so full of wisdom. What kind of a man was he? Unfortunately very little is known about Ehrmann.
Desiderata (things you desire)
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 the 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 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 with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.
Max Ehrmann, Desiderata, Copyright 1952.
Desiderata: The Lessons
- Maintain good relationships with people.
- Accept who you are and be proud of who you are.
- You are here because you are meant to be here.
- Use your best judgment when dealing with people.
- Go with the flow.
- There is no point hating God.
- You may have loved and lost, but you will lose more if you think you can’t love anymore.
- Love truly.
- Age gracefully.
- Develop strength of character and persistence.
- Most fears are just products of the imagination.
- Always speak the truth and learn to listen to other people.
- Keep a peaceful and relaxed of mind.
- You are a very important part of this universe. Without you, it would have been a different place.
- Despite the negative things, this is still a beautiful world.
- Be happy.
Desiderata: Favorite Lines
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.”
Most people are unhappy and insecure because they do not appreciate who they are. They strive to be another person whom they consider is perfect. We are all born different and unique. No two persons are alike. Even identical twins who are technically one person divided into two while still a zygote, are different.
The problem is we have come to accept “labels”. Our society has a standard of what a “beautiful face” should be, what a “sexy body” should be. We have come to accept that the physical and material are the most important factors that measures a person’s worth.
And so enviousness, and jealousy arise. We develop insecurities and low self esteem which hinder our own success and happiness. It becomes a vicious cycle as the more we fail, the more we become jealous and unhappy.
“With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.”
I like this line because it is a message of hope.
NOTE: Share your favorite lines from Desiderata. Use the comment form below.
Related article: Desiderata in Life - Desiderata as interpreted in a manifesting perspective.
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