Desiderata - for everyone to read

stormygrey · Posted: Mon Jul 03, 2006 9:21 am Post subject: Desiderata - for everyone to read

Written by Max Ehrmann..

Go placidly amidst 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 vexations to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater or 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 your 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. Strive to be happy.

iamantisocial · Newbie User Joined: Jun 11, 2006 Posts: 72

I remember that poem.

The army (Philippines) made us memorize that... and we recited that while jogging around the field and doing pushups.

w3stfa11 · Posted: Fri Jul 14, 2006 9:54 pm Post subject:

Thanks, I have that poem as an mp3, both in English and in Spanish. It's very inspirational.

_________________
The choices we make and the chances we take, determine our destiny.

Quixote · Advanced User Joined: Mar 14, 2006 Posts: 450

cLavain · Posted: Fri Jul 14, 2006 10:50 pm Post subject:

Quixote · Advanced User Joined: Mar 14, 2006 Posts: 450

tehStranger · Intermediate User Joined: Jun 09, 2006 Posts: 219

"Thus the highest form of generalship is to balk the enemy's plans"

"The general, unable to control his irritation, will launch his men to the assault like swarming ants"

"Hence to fight and conquer in all your battles is not supreme excellence; supreme excellence consists in breaking the enemy's resistance without fighting. "

"But when the army is restless and distrustful, trouble is sure to come from the other feudal princes. This is simply bringing anarchy into the army, and flinging victory away."

-Sun Tzu the Art of War.