Friday, September 02, 2005

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 & clearly,
even the dull and ignorant have their story.

Keep interested in your career, however humble, it is a
real possession in the changing fortunes of time. But
do not compare yourself with others or you may become
vain or bitter; for there will always be greater
or lesser persons than yourself.

Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world
is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what
virtue there is, for many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Neither be cynical about love,
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is perennial as the grass.

Take kindly to the council of the years, gracefully
surrendering the things of youth. 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 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 labours and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
be at peace with your soul.

And remember, that with all it's sham, drudgery & broken
dreams, it is still a beautiful world.

Be careful with life. Strive to be happy.