Desiderata

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 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 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.

About Desiderata

Written by Max Ehrmannn, 1927.
© Robert L. Bell

Some references still say that "Desiderata" was "found" at Old St. Paul's Church in Baltimore, and dates back to 1692. 

Desiderata was written and copyrighted in 1927 by Max Ehrmann (1872-1945). The copyright was renewed in 1948 and 1954 by his wife, Bertha K. Ehrmann. 

In her will, Mrs. Ehrmann gave "Desiderata" to Robert L. Bell , who copyrighted it in 1976.

The confusion about the author and origin of Desiderata began in 1956, when the rector of St. Paul's Church in Baltimore, Maryland, used the poem in a collection of mimeographed inspirational material for his congregation. Someone who subsequently printed it asserted that it was found in Old St. Paul's Church, dated 1692. 

The year 1692 was the founding date of the church.

This information was sent to wowzone by registered mail in May 1997 by Robert L. Bell, holder of the copyright of "Desiderata".

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