Desiderata

This is one of my favorites. It was first published in The Poems of Max Ehrmann in 1948.It was written in 1927. It went largely unnoticed for quite some time. It is interesting to me that something written that long ago is more relevant today than the time in which it was penned.

I would like to have some discussion about the sections and  the advice that Max offers, and if not lectures work as well.  My new day motto is “It is what it is.”

“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.”

Here are some thoughts on the first verse. It seems like carrying your silence into a busy and noisy place would take practice.  It also sounds like a very good idea. I think it would be nice to have peace of mind and not listen to the ramble.

Be on good terms without surrender, caught my eye. Remaining steadfast is your beliefs is something I cherish and to be able to understand that others must do the same is something I need to appreciate.

Speaking my truth is simply me being me. I wonder if it I do it quietly.