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 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 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 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 careful. Strive to be happy.

Found in an old Saint Paul's Church, Baltimore; Dated 1692