Go placidly amidst 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 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 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 God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labours and
aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul. With all
its shams, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be
cheerful.
Strive to be happy.
Max Ehrman, 1927.
In the 70s this was often seen on posters in student bedrooms [next to Che Guevara]
ReplyDeleteYup. It was on my desk. I think I'm showing my age!
DeleteI remember this poem being very popular when I was at university, in the 1970s. I had a printed copy of it for a long time, but, I think I decluttered it.
ReplyDeleteYes, my copy disappeared years ago. Isn't t'interweb great!
DeleteIt still rings true today.
ReplyDeleteYes, it's been flowing through my mind quite a bit lately.
DeleteThere's a church in Baltimore where this is posted outside the door. I think there's a connection which I'm failing to recall, maybe it originated there?
ReplyDeleteI think you are referring to Old St Paul's Church, Baltimore. I have a note that it was distributed by the Rector as an unattributed poem in the 1950's and 60's.
DeleteI have always loved this. Many a time growing up I would read and repeat the words. I think that I might have to do this again. The world is becoming a place that scares me and this always calmed me down.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.