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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.
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. Specially do not feign affection neither be cynical about love; for
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.
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 labours
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 careful. Strive to be happy. Anonymous
Found in Old St. Paul's
Church,
Baltimore; Dated 1692
