Desiderata, By Max Ehrmann

A poem for hard times, Desiderata is Latin, meaning "Things that are yearned for." More closely meaning, "What is essential today?" Wisdom as profound today as it was written nearly a century ago - Desiderata, by Max Ehrmann (1927). May you be well.

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 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 virtues 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 that 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 whether 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.

Reviews

A beautiful & thought-provoking reading of a classic. My Dad loved this one, so I grew up with it's wisdom and it still touches and enlightens me in my middle age. Thank you.

This is my favorite poem, thank you for being another voice to share it so I can listen to it every AM🙂

That was incredible. I was a balm to my hurting soul. Thank you.

I have the “Desiderata” framed & on the wall in my kitchen (found in Old Saint Paul’s Chirch, Baltimore,; Dated 1692). But your spoken word was truly a gift. 💝 I will return to absorb more!!

Lovely reminder of what is truly important in life.

Words of loving wisdom, beautiful spoken .Thank you.
I played this at my son's & recently at my daughter's memorial. Brings tears to my soul, love ❤️ is all ...

Thank you Dear friend I receive wisdom of the heart with these profound short poetry readings 💙☮️♥️🧘‍♀️

I love this thank you so much for putting this out to us! I have had it for years and when a friend asked if I had it, I couldn’t find, the universe knows! 🙏🏾🤗