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 ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons
for they are vexations of 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 you achievements
as well as your possessions
in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in you business
affairs,
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to whatever
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 perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the council of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things
of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit
to shield you in sudden misfortune.
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!