The desiderata
A poem found on a church wall. It's author is unknown:
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 the 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.
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.
2007-01-23 13:20:45 · 16 answers · asked by Shinkirou Hasukage 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
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 with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.
2007-01-23 13:21:33 · update #1
The title should read "for some time now", sorry...
2007-01-23 13:26:13 · update #2
no.
2007-01-23 13:24:18 · answer #1 · answered by notmyrealname 3 · 0⤊ 4⤋
Actually the idea of it being found carved into the back of a mid 17th century church pew in Maine is a hoax. I can not remember the proper author"s name now but it is fairly recent. If you google it you will find it.
Now for a bit of trivia! In the mid 1970's the brilliant Canadian Politician Pierre Elliot Trudeau stood up in the House of Commons (Canadian Parliament) and recited Desiderata as an answer to a question from a member of the opposition party. Cool answer to a spiteful question (sarcasm is a Canadian vice).
You can also find a more negative darker version called Deteriorata put out by The National Lampoon.
I personally find desiderata to be a bit too syrupy new agey for my taste, but I guess if you find it useful then it is good.
2007-01-23 21:39:24 · answer #2 · answered by U-98 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I haven't seen a "Desiderata" poster since the 70s. I thought they were all gone by now. Funny you would find that in a church, since it doesn't specifically mention Jesus.
2007-01-23 21:30:11 · answer #3 · answered by link955 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes
2007-01-23 21:26:41 · answer #4 · answered by suzy-Q 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
That poem was written by Max Ehrman, a lawyer from Indiana who died circa 1945.
2007-01-23 21:39:06 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
The Jewish prayer the Shema says: "You shall love the Lord, your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your strength."
Jesus added to this beautiful prayer when He said, "And your neighbor as yourself."
This prayer is a good moral guide.
2007-01-23 21:29:01 · answer #6 · answered by Mary W 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these." Mark 12:30-31
2007-01-23 21:26:34 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
Nothing inspires me like the inspiration that I get through
Jesus Christ. All my morality won't do anything for me for eternity. Morality is not righteousness. Only God can make me righteous. We gain that by trusting him through Jesus Christ.
2007-01-23 21:33:46 · answer #8 · answered by Christian Sinner 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think someone with a few years under their belt wrote that.
2007-01-23 21:26:57 · answer #9 · answered by AKA WTA 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My favorite poem.
2007-01-23 21:24:29 · answer #10 · answered by silverleaf90210 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Wow, I'll print this and check myself against it - thank you.
2007-01-23 21:39:10 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋