2006-09-15 10:27:41 · 6 answers · asked by lee f 5 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
Never read it till now. I think that it is a little sappy, but a nice way to try and live.
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.
edit: also it is from 1927 not 1952
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desiderata
2006-09-15 10:31:44 · answer #1 · answered by QuestionWyrm 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Good question! The Desiderata is a poem by Max Erhmann in 1952 and is hailed as a declaration to good manners and peaceful living. It's been a while since I read it, thanks for the reminder.
Cheers!
2006-09-15 17:32:58 · answer #2 · answered by moonlight_baby27 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My dad used to have a copy of it on the wall at home I have a card with it in my wallet. The interesting thing is most people DON'T know it is not something OLD it was actually written in 1952
2006-09-15 17:29:38 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Is that the one that says: "Go placidly amid the noise and haste..."? I have a poster with that at work.
2006-09-15 17:30:03 · answer #4 · answered by badkitty1969 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Not me, but I do hope you include what it is at the end after you've chosen best answer, because you have my interest peaked.
2006-09-15 17:29:26 · answer #5 · answered by ttti 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Been there, done that
do you know the Avesta?
2006-09-15 17:30:14 · answer #6 · answered by Gemelli2 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋