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.
written
by Max Ehrmann in the 1920s --
for
information regarding the origin and copyright click here |
