July 3rd, and my birthday rolls round again. Long time readers will know that I regularly like to post a piece called ‘The Desiderata’, written by Max Ehrmann…
A birthday is a good time for reflection, to think about the past, the present, and the future. I’ve always felt this piece is a good prompt for reflection – it was good on last year’s birthday, it’ll be good next year – blimey it’s good on *any* day!
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The Desiderata
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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.
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.
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Ok, that’s it for today. I’m off for some birthday chocolate, let me know if you’ve enjoyed The Desiderata!
‘Til Next Time,
Health & happiness,
Gordon
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So, if you attribute the document, is it still plagiarism?
Seriously, though, happy birthday- and a great piece to share…
I *wish* I’d written it Roy! Mind you, maybe something I have written will take off after I’ve gone, although maybe a birthday isn’t the best time to think about popping off!
cheers,
Gordon
thank you for reminding me of this verse. Happy Birthday BTW!
Thanks Carol,
I love it! In fact I used to have it on the wall, and whenever I remind myself of it, I think I should have it back on the wall!
Cheers,
Gordon
Beautiful. Just perfect for sharing with my mum whose birthday was 2nd July. I trust you had a good one?
Thanks Jacqui,
I did yes – most enjoyable!
Cheers,
Gordon
I enjoyed reading that! Thank you. Hope you enjoyed the cake 🙂
Always a good read, and I pretty much always enjoy cake! *Definitely* always enjoy chocolate! 😉
I love this poem which I came across some 30 years back! And I actually wrote about it here with the history, if you’re interested: http://writingwranglersandwarriors.wordpress.com/2013/02/02/1980/
It’s so inspiring I can’t get over it.
Happy birthday Gordon!
Maria
Hi Maria,
My story with this piece is roughly the same as yours – maybe 20 years ago someone mentioned it to me.
Cheers,
Gordon