Max Ehrmann was a lawyer and a poet (on the side) from Indiana. He wrote this particular piece around 1920 or so. Desiderata is Latin for "things to be desired".
Considering how old this poem is, human nature and the desire to live a good honest life and become a sound contributing member of society remains the same over time, no matter how long or short time may seem. This advice is still worthwhile today for any human being on this earth.
Desiderata by Max Ehrmann
Circa 1920’s
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.
Additional Notes:
Les Crane, a radio show and TV personality, voiced the poem over some classical type music in 1971. He was/is married to "Ginger" Tina Louise. It was a top one hit wonder. Shortly after the release there was a parody called "Deteriorata" (recorded by National Lampoon 1972) which was a Dr. Demento firm favorite.
I never heard either song. I only knew the poem and the history of it. In the article I read, it said that the parody was more popular than the original song and that most who heard the parody never knew the original. That is funny in itself.
This would be a great lesson plan for a high school English teacher on the half day before Thanksgiving.
Considering how old this poem is, human nature and the desire to live a good honest life and become a sound contributing member of society remains the same over time, no matter how long or short time may seem. This advice is still worthwhile today for any human being on this earth.
Circa 1920’s
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.
Additional Notes:
Les Crane, a radio show and TV personality, voiced the poem over some classical type music in 1971. He was/is married to "Ginger" Tina Louise. It was a top one hit wonder. Shortly after the release there was a parody called "Deteriorata" (recorded by National Lampoon 1972) which was a Dr. Demento firm favorite.
I never heard either song. I only knew the poem and the history of it. In the article I read, it said that the parody was more popular than the original song and that most who heard the parody never knew the original. That is funny in itself.
This would be a great lesson plan for a high school English teacher on the half day before Thanksgiving.
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