What "Desiderata" is, actually, is little difficult to describe. Some say it is a poem; others call it an essay — though neither description is particularly accurate. The Web site Wikipedia refers to it as an "inspirational prose poem," which sounds kind of contradictory to me, though it's probably as good a description as any.
Whatever it is, it was written by Max Ehrmann, and first published in 1927. Occasional stories claim that it was found in Baltimore's Saint Paul's Church, having been written in 1692, though that myth has been largely debunked.
But history and origins aside, "Desiderata" spoke to me from the very first time I read it, and it continues to do so today. I once had a poster of the passage on my dorm room wall, and to this day, I keep a copy pinned to my bulletin board at work. I consider it something of a mantra, something that offers pertinent wisdom and advice on how to live life.
What's interesting to me is that different phrases have spoken to me more directly at different times in my life. For instance, as a college student, phrases like, "And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should," and "Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass" had special meaning for me.
As I grew older, other parts connected with me, such as "As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons," and "Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexatious to the spirit."
Still later, passages like, "Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time," and "Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth" have seemed especially poignant.
On days when things aren't going as well as I'd like, I like to read through "Desiderata." Ehrmann managed to create a maxim that never seems to get old for me. I continually find new wisdom in the short passage. There are no doubt other sources, sacred and secular alike, of such timeless wisdom, but "Desiderata" has a rhythm and eloquence that works for me. If you haven't seen it before, it's definitely worth a read:
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 not this 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.
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