Desiderata

'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 the dull and ignorant;
they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexatious to the spirit.
If you compare yourself to others
you may become vain and bitter,
for always there will be
greater and lesser persons than yourself.....

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 shame, drudgery
and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.'


Max Elimann