D E S I D E R A T A

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 & clearly;
and listen to others,
even
the dull & ignorant;
they too have their story.

Avoid loud & aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the
spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain &
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 future 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 & disenchantment

it is 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 imaginings.
Many fears are born of
fatigue & loneliness.
Beyond wholesome discipline,
be gentle with
yourself.

You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees & 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 & aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep
peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery & broken dreams,
it
is still a beautiful world.

Be cheerful.