Desiderata (Words for Life) - Max Ehrmann

Enjoy these words for life penned by Max Ehrmann in 1927 read with peaceful piano in the background. Find inspiration and insight as the keys and poem wash over you. Remember dear friends: "You are a child of the universe. No less than the trees and 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." Many blessings to you on your journey. Thank you for joining me in this space.

Music credit Chris Collins

Transcript

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 the 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 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.

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.

For you are a child of the universe,

No less than the trees and the stars,

And you have a right to be here.

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 them 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 cheerful,

And strive to be happy.

Reviews

So profound. So many lines resonated in new ways for me. I’m grateful my curiosity led me here.

Thank you for this piece of eternal wisdom. Namaste

Beautifully
rendered Sarah.
Desiderata has been a touchstone
in my life for decades. Written in 1927
it continues to resound for me
in these challenging days of 2025.
Hiw did it find you?
I first received it in the form of a beautiful
card from a dear friend who found the card in her deceased Mothers estate and gifted it to me.
Namaste
Christine
High Desert Sierra
Colorado

So beautiful! Wisdom sure has a way of focusing on truth. My little troubles shrink on this eternal perspective.

These beautiful words bring much comfort and peace to my day. Thank you for sharing them in your lovely voice. Namaste.🙏🕊️♥️

Thank you, Sarah🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻I was introduced to this ageless wisdom more than half a century ago. The words still ring true to me🙏🏻🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🙏🏻

Beautiful!! Thank you for sharing these beautiful words of wisdom 🙏

Beautifully read ..I remember a favorite teacher in 5th grade ..Mrs Desimone sharing this with us . We recited it at our school concert 💜🎶thank you ! Recommended!!💫💫💫💫💫💜

I have a print of this hanging on my wall…for years. Simply the best and well read. Thank you.

This was an amazing start to my morning, thank you💛

Love this reading, I enjoy it being read in an uplifting tone. Very good. Thank you