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 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.
Summary / Analysis
Desiderata, written by Max Ehrmann in 1927, is a prose poem that serves as a collection of principles guiding conduct and a concise manual for living a meaningful and fulfilling life. The title, which means "things desired," reflects the poem's exploration of values in interpersonal relations, understanding of human sincerity, and self-acceptance. It encourages individuals to navigate life with dignity and integrity, emphasizing the importance of seeing virtue in all types of people since "they too have their story."
The poem begins by inviting one to seek peace by going "placidly amid the noise and the haste" of life's chaos, while challenging people to strive for inner peace. It dwells on concepts like the value of appreciating "your achievements," understanding "kindly the counsel of the years, (elderly), and the need to remain true to oneself by living by your values. There is an apparent focus throughout the work on humility (but not naivety), the fleeting nature of life, and the importance of seeking one's desires without insisting on them. The poem suggests that developing character or "strength of spirit" can shield you from sudden misfortune.
Desiderata is composed in free verse, in addition to prose, allowing a natural flow of thoughts and introspections rather than sticking to a specific meter or rhyme pattern. This form serves to advance the conversational and reflective tone of the poem so that the words of advice it offers sound personal and intimate, as if it were a private written letter. The poem's language is both simple and profound, with each line offering insight into the human experience and emotional well-being.
The poem's moral nature stresses the importance of personal growth and resilience. It encourages readers to "be gentle with" themselves and others, highlighting the importance of empathy for all individuals. Commanding words such as "Go placidly" and "Speak your truth" provide a sense of direction and urgency, urging readers to act positively.
Overall, Desiderata serves as both a philosophical reflection and a moral navigator, remaining relevant and inspiring across generations. The poem's appeal lies in embracing humanity's complexities while living life with meaning and kindness, while adhering to a good moral code.