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Desiderata means "desired things" in Latin. It is the title of a prose poem composed by the American writer-philosopher Max Ehrmann in 1927. As a young man, Ehrmann desired not to become rich, but to "write beautiful books." Nevertheless, he chose the
path. After acquiring one degree from DePauw and another from Harvard University, he returned to his tiny hometown Terre Haute, Indiana, to practice law. Eventually he ended up working for his family's meatpacking business and the overalls manufacturing industry, scribbling his poems and essays after
10-hour work days. In his forties, Ehrmann finally decided to become a full-time writer. He penned "Desiderata" at the age of 55, a testament to the spiritual themes of his poetry. Alas, the poem achieved fame posthumously.
In 2010 Ehrmann's hometown honored him with a life-size bronze statue by local sculptor Bill Wolfe. The poet
sitting on a downtown bench with a pen in his hand and a notebook on his lap. "Desiderata" is engraved on a plaque next to the statue and lines from the poem are embedded in the walkway.
Desiderata (poem)
Go
amid the noise and the
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
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are
to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become
or
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
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise
in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what
there is; many persons
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
it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
strength of spirit to shield you in sudden
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of
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 labors and
in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham,
and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
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