Inspiration from Max Ehrmann’s Desiderata
June 7, 2009
You know, I had planned to highlight some lines of this poem that you should pay particular attention to. But I realized, there are too many. It is tempting to skim through Max Ehrmann’s “Desiderata” to find the point of the story… but it isn’t really about that. If you have time, then read it; and read all of it. If you don’t have time, come back to it when you do.
*
Desiderata (Desired Things)
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.
*
I could write an entire post on each of the sections of this poem… in fact, I just might. I suppose my favorite part is this: “It is still a beautiful world.”
What is YOUR Â favorite part?
Related posts:
- Inspiration from Pema Chodron: Everyone and Everything
- Inspiration from Edgar Allan Poe: Alone
- Inspiration: Helen Keller “Great and Noble Tasks”
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WONDERFUL Sunday inspiration. Thank you, thank you, thank you for posting this. I love it!
Positively Present’s latest post… do you have a clear view?
Thanks, Dani… I like this one a lot. I wish it had published bright and early, as scheduled, in time to go out in a morning email. I’ve been having all sorts of issues with posts not getting published on time.
Oh, well… it’s still a beautiful world, right?
My favorite part:
“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.”
Thank you, Lisis.
Chania Girl’s latest post… The Traveler: A Contemporary Folk Tale
My favourite lines:
Oh pish and tush, got my XHTML markers muddled. My favourite lines are:
Go placidly amid the noise and the haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
Hi Lisis,
My favorite line is:
“Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even to the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.”
That passage is so true. Every person has an interesting story. Hope you are having a wonderful weekend!
Nadia-HappyLotus’s latest post… Happy News (June 7, 2009)
Thanks! It’s interesting to me to see which parts speak to different people (at different times). That is why I couldn’t decide what to highlight… every part of it seems so relevant. I really will have to use this as inspiration for posts.
@Discovered Joys: funny… you and I are having some technical challenges today. I love the way you handled yours!
“Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.”
I.e., acceptance will make life more livable; grow in spirit to better handle the tough times.
Love it! Thank you!
I like that part too… “gracefully surrendering the things of youth.”
The whole thing is just beautiful. Definitely one of my all-time favorites. My favorite part is the same as Chania Girl’s, but really I just love the whole thing. Thanks for posting this, Lisis. It’s a wonderful expression of love and goodness.
Jay Schryer’s latest post… Tagged Again
Well, you know me, Jay… all love and goodness… and expressions.
I really love the whole thing too. We should do a Desiderata relay, where each of us writes a post about one of the sections and we all post them on the same day. Wouldn’t that be cool?
My Sunday is almost over, and I am FIRED UP for a new week. Are you?
My favorite: “Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.”
This is something I try to keep in mind myself, and to promote to others. It seems many of us find more enjoyment in daydreaming, goal-setting, etc. than in the actual accomplishment. Sometimes it’s only given a little thoughtful appreciation or celebration and then it’s on to the next thing. Also, those with an all-or-nothing attitude don’t applaud themselves enough for everything they accomplish, no matter how small.
Suzanne’s latest post… Quote To Reflect Upon (Jun09)
Good point, Suzanne! And I think sometimes the opposite is true… we don’t enjoy the planning phase, postponing our happiness until the achievement. But then, as soon as that happens we start planning something else and postpone happiness again. They key is to enjoy both aspects, it seems.
Aww, my brother made a dramatization reciting this at school, im nostalgic now
thanks Lisis, its beautiful 
My favorite part:
You are a child of the universe
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
Rosa’s latest post… Atrévete a ser Real – Dare to be real
I’m so glad you liked it… and got a trip down memory lane.
Oh my Lisis, this is one of my favourite poems.
Kind of a compass for everyday life.
About 20 years ago (I am 40!) I bought a little book called “Desiderata”. Since then I have lent it to many friends and family who are going through rough times.
I love just being quiet and reflecting on each line.
Good on you for “taking it to the people”.
Sara
Thank you, Sara… you’re right, each line could be a whole meditation session (or blog entry). It’s so carefully crafted to include so many of the issues we all deal with. I figured there’s something in there for everyone, no matter what they are each going through.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it.
THANK YOU LISIS!
This is my first time reading this poem and it is absolutely beautiful. My favorite part:
Oops. Sorry bout that.
My original message:
THANK YOU LISIS!
This is my first time reading this poem and it is absolutely beautiful. My favorite part:
“And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.”
I’ve always believe that everything will eventually fall into place as faith has pulled me through so many times in my life. There is no doubt that the universe unfolds as it should.
Grace Look’s latest post… Do your goals come with excess baggage?
Hi, Grace! Oh, I’m so glad you got to read it since you hadn’t seen it before. It is one of the loveliest things I’ve ever read. Too many truths to count.
Like you, I definitely believe everything happens for a reason and that life works out as it should (even though sometimes it’s hard for us to understand how or why things happen.)
Thank you for your comment, and for the tweet!