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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 low 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 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 perennial
as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully
surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength and
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 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.
Found in Old St Pauls Church,
Baltimore, dated 1692
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