Poem: Desiderata - Max Ehrmann

John reads the classic spiritual poem 'Desiderata,' written by Max Ehrmann, which has been an inspiration and a source of profoundly accessible guidance to people from all walks of life, and from all faiths, for almost 100 years.​

Transcript

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 the ignorant.

They too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons.

They are vexatious to the spirit.

If you compare yourself to others,

You may become vain or bitter,

For always.

They 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,

And the noisy confusion of life,

Keep peace with your soul.

With all its sham,

Drudgery and broken dreams,

It's still a beautiful world.

Be cheerful,

Strive to be happy.

Reviews

I have been claiming/loving/speaking outloud/also silently in my head/resonating with/sharing/adoring this poem for 51 years... today hearing it from your voice (that I atune w/ & find comfort in) was just as thrilling as my first exposure to these gathered words. True dat! Thank you, familiar guide, for placing this excellent reading where I would find it. Peace-

What wise council, thank you, I’ve not heard that in 35 yrs. I’m grateful John that you’ve given this for us all to find & remind. It speaks to my heart & brought tears to my eyes.
Ur voice is relaxing, calming & moving.
Thank u 🙏🏻

I have loved Desiderata ever since I learnt and memorised it in high school. Thank you for bringing this to IT 🙏🏻

Just what I needed today. Love the words and your compassionate voice.

Exquisitely read. The tone of voice and cadence not only were soothing and easy on my ears, but drew me into the message, nurturing heart, mind, and soul. Thank you.

First time listening. Definitely won't be the last. I love this.

Will be revisiting this one. This is something I'd love to listen to repeatedly. I want the words ingrained subconscious. 🌺🦔🦕🦕

So glad I came across this poem. Going to bookmark it and listen to it regularly.

Absolutely beautiful! This reading really was a beautiful present moment reminder!🙏😌🪷☮️

Thank you 💜 this is one of my favourite poems 💚💚

a beautiful poem that touch my humanness. thank you for your appointment reading and bless you!

🙏💚🌻
So lovely, gifted to our ears with soft earnestness as only John can.
🙏💚🌻

That was beautiful… I love the soothing sound of your voice 🕊️

Confirming and comforting - thank you for sharing. 🙏🏽😊

One of my favorites, John. You read it beautifully. Thank you!

My all time favourite, thank you.. in all it’s shame and drudgery the world is still a beautiful place

Awesome advice, clearly spoken! www.gratefulness.org, ahimsa

Thank you.
The manner in which you read poems and use your voice make the words penetrate and create an imprint on the mind.
Thank you.

One of my favourite poems and read in such a lovely voice

My grandma hung this poem in her bedroom and it always gives me peace to hear it especially in John’s lovely voice

John, that was beautiful and perfectly spoken. Thank you. Truly, thank you.