Max Ehrmann (1872-1945)

Desiderata

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 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 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 critical 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 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 careful. Strive to be happy.

~ Max Ehrmann (1872-1945)

[EDITOR'S NOTE: Max Ehrmann (September 26, 1872 – September 9, 1945) was an American writer, poet, and attorney from Terre Haute, Indiana, widely known for his 1927 prose pie  Desiderata  "things desired" in Latin). He often wrote on spiritual themes.

Ehrmann was of German descent; both his parents emigrated from Bavaria in the 1840s. Young Ehrmann was educated at the Terre Haute Fourth District School and the German Methodist Church.

He received a degree in English from DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana  which he attended from 1890 to 1894. While there, he was a member of Delta Tau Delta’s Beta chapter,  and was editor of the school newspaper, Depauw Weekly.

Ehrmann then studied philosophy and law at Harvard where he was editor of his fraternity’s national magazine The Rainbow, circa 1896.

Ehrmann returned to Terre Haute in 1898 to practice law. He served as deputy state’s attorney in Vigo Country, Indiana for two years. Subsequently, he worked in his family's meatpacking business and in the overalls manufacturing industry (Ehrmann Manufacturing Co.) At age 40, Ehrmann left the business to write. At age 54, he wrote Desiderata, which achieved widespread fame after his death. - WIKI]