Desiderata

[psykosis]

"Desiderata" (Latin for "desired things", plural of desideratum) is an inspirational prose poem about attaining happiness in life. It was first copyrighted in 1927 by Max Ehrmann.

In the 1960s it was widely circulated without attribution to Ehrmann, sometimes with the claim that it was found in St. Paul's Church, Baltimore, Maryland, and was written in 1692 (the year of the founding of St. Paul's). Nevertheless, the estate of Ehrmann has kept various editions of the work in print.

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;
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.


by Max Ehrmann

few pieces of prose have moved me as much, or for as long, as this.

[Plan9]

I had that read at my wedding. A lot of people do.

I would have preferred something less hokey.

[shoegirl]

A good friend sent this to me at a low point in my life. I still pull it out and read it when I'm feeling down to remind myself that things will look up eventually.

[Craven Morehead]

Here's a good satirical version of the poem.

Deteriorata
Go placidly amid the noise and waste, And remember what comfort there may be in owning a piece thereof. Avoid quiet and passive persons unless you are in need of sleep.



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.



Rotate your tires. Speak glowingly of those greater than yourself, And heed well their advice, even though they be turkeys.



Know what to kiss and when. Consider that two wrongs never make a right, But that three lefts do. Wherever possible put people on "HOLD".



Be comforted that in the face of all aridity and disillusionment, And despite the changing fortunes of time, There is always a big future in computer maintenance. Remember the Pueblo. Strive at all times to bend, fold, spindle and mutilate. Know yourself. If you need help, call the FBI.



Exercise caution in your daily affairs, Especially with those persons closest to you; That lemon on your left for instance.



Be assured that a walk through the ocean of most souls, Would scarcely get your feet wet. Fall not in love therefore; it will stick to your face.



Carefully surrender the things of youth: birds, clean air, tuna, Taiwan, And let not the sands of time get in your lunch. For a good time, call 606-4311.



Take heart amid the deepening gloom that your dog Is finally getting enough cheese; And reflect that whatever fortunes may be your lot, It could only be worse in Sioux City.



You are a fluke of the Universe. You have no right to be here, and whether you can hear it or not, The Universe is laughing behind your back.



Therefore make peace with your God whatever you conceive him to be, Hairy Thunderer or Cosmic Muffin. With all its hopes, dreams, promises, and urban renewal, The world continues to deteriorate. Give up.



--From the National Lampoon Radio Dinner album.