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Desiderata
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Booshway
posted
In this holiday season, at the year's end, I think it would be good to recite the Desiderata.

The Desiderata is prose, written by Max Ehrmann in 1927. I have not see it or heard it recited for many years now, but it was popular throughout much of the 20th century.
Desiderata is Latin that basically translates as "needful things."

Desiderata

Go placidly amid 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 vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and 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.
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 aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.


Know what you believe in. Fight for your beliefs. Never compromise away your rights.
 
Posts: 1296 | Location: Cherokee Land, Tenasi | Registered: 06 January 2011Reply With QuoteReport This Post
Factor
Picture of Hanshi
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I have a very fine copy of Desiderata written in calligraphy and laminated on a sheet of high quality, heavy paper. It's been hanging on my wall for many, many years. The paper has decorated borders, and the calligraphy is beautiful.

My squeeze use to own a frame shop and was a master of calligraphy. Her pieces sold for very good prices. This is one she did a long time ago and I snagged it. And yes, it certainly merits study from time to time.


*Young guys should hang out with old guys; old guys know stuff.*
 
Posts: 3560 | Location: Maine (by way of Georgia then Va.) | Registered: 26 January 2009Reply With QuoteReport This Post
Factor
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This is a good one to read every once in a while.I also like,"Lord,give me the courage to change the things I can,the serenity to accept the things I cannot,and the wisdom to know the difference".I,especially,need to read or think that one often.


Beer is proof that God loves us,and wants us to be happy-B. Franklin
 
Posts: 2014 | Location: Oreegun Territory | Registered: 24 March 2013Reply With QuoteReport This Post
Factor
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Should be required reading coupled with understanding for every Freshman in High School these days, and they should re-read it on day one of every semester afterward, until graduation. (imho)

LD


It's not what you know, it's what you can prove
 
Posts: 3843 | Location: People's Republic of Maryland | Registered: 10 November 2004Reply With QuoteReport This Post
Hivernant
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Beautiful words to live by.
 
Posts: 101 | Location: Davidsville , PA | Registered: 10 August 2016Reply With QuoteReport This Post
Booshway
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and merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.
windy
 
Posts: 487 | Location: wetside o' washington | Registered: 14 October 2005Reply With QuoteReport This Post
Factor
Picture of Hanshi
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quote:
Originally posted by Loyalist Dave:
Should be required reading coupled with understanding for every Freshman in High School these days, and they should re-read it on day one of every semester afterward, until graduation. (imho)

LD




They won't even have them read the Constitution! I'd think, then, that the Desiderata would have to be read at home...in private.


*Young guys should hang out with old guys; old guys know stuff.*
 
Posts: 3560 | Location: Maine (by way of Georgia then Va.) | Registered: 26 January 2009Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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