Desiderata By Max Ehrmann

Desiderata was written by Max Ehrmann in the early 1920s. It is recognised as one of the most popular motivational/positive poems of the last century. At only three minutes long, it’s a short listen, but the messages contained within are timeless and worth repetition.

Transcript

Desiderata by Max Ehrman 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.

Take 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 labours 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.

Believe to be happy.

Reviews

My favorite poem read so beautifully. I love your voice. It is comforting and soothing, like a warm blanket. Thank you 💫

Beautiful reminder of one of my favourite poems. Thank you.

Thank you again for this reminder to stay focused on the positive

Thank you Andrew, that was lovely. Such a beautiful piece. My Nan had a clipping of this desiderata so it holds extra sentimental value as well 💜

Read so well.. always such a beautiful poem.. ❤🕊🙏😊🌟

This was my foundation growing up in Argentina. I had a poster above my bed so I could see it every day. It formed me as the person I am now.

An ageless ode to life. Desiderata really is full of wisdom. Thankyou for narrating so beautifully ✨🙏🏼🌻

No words rang truer than now. So needed to hear them today. Love your voice, so calming and healing. Thank you for sharing your gifts.

Very grounding, peaceful. Good to hear every once in a while. Thank you.

At one point during my school years, we were tasked with memorizing Desiderata. I no longer remember the poem by heart but truly needed to listen to these words today. The teacher who had us memorize those words so long ago was doing her best to guide us into being our finest selves and leaving a positive mark on the world.

Thank you, Andrew, for reminding me what to do in these difficult times.

Thank you for sharing this poem. Your reading of it is beautiful, a great way to start the day. 🙏☮️

This is the first time I have listened and heard this poem♥️
It is beautiful and whole. Thank you for sharing this 🙏
Many blessings
Namaste💫

Oh yes, what a magnificent beautiful 'reminder', & beautifully read, thank you 💫♥️🙏🙏🙏

Thank you for this splendid reminder of the eternal wisdom of the Desiderata . Namaste

Perfect reminder of what matters and read exquisitely.

How simple and true. How impossible to achieve but always worth the attempt. Thank you for sharing that.

Beautiful. I will return to its Inspiring words. Thank you. 💖 🙏

This may be one of the greatest poems of all time.

Your voice, Andrew, could make a reading of the phone book wonderful.

I look forward to listening to this as part of my daily practice. Such a pleasure to experience your voice. Thank you.