Desiderata by Max Ehrmann Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, \t\t and remember what peace there may be in silence. \t As far as possible, without surrender, \t\t be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and \t\tclearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant; \t\t they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they \t\tare vexatious to the spirit. \t If you compare yourself with others, \t\t you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and \t\tlesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your \t\tplans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real \t\tpossession in the changing fortunes of time. \t Exercise caution in your business \t\taffairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you \t\tto what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and \t\teverywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially do not feign \t\taffection. Neither be cynical about love, for in the face of all \t\taridity and disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass. \t Take kindly the counsel of the years, \t\t gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit \t\tto shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark \t\timaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. \t Beyond a wholesome discipline, be \t\tgentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the \t\ttrees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it \t\tis clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. \t Therefore be at peace with God, \t\t whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labors and \t\taspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. \t With all its sham, drudgery, and broken \t\tdreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be \t\thappy.