Desiderata
Max Ehrmann
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.
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 cheerful.
Strive to be happy.
Max Ehrmann
Desiderata was written by Max Erhmann in 1927. My mother introduced me to this prose poem when I was about 14 years old and it has shaped much of the way I live my life– it is a mantra of sorts. This poem is a reminder; a positive reminder to be kind, to listen, to love and to live the way I want to live. This poem reflects balance. Balance is something I always have and will strive for in my life. I must balance my life with work, play, loud, quiet, fun, tedious etcetera. This simple poem reminds me to slow down. It reminds me to be confident in my decisions and to trust the universe. It reminds me to cultivate meaningful relationships and to be myself. This poem is reflection of who I am today, but also who I seek to become.
Where am I coming from?
I have gravitated to this poem multiple times over the last 10 years, usually in moments of uncertainty or despair. It is a comforting reminder of what I am capable of and the kind of person I can be.
Where am I now?
“We teach who we are” and as a future educator I find this poem is helpful in grounding me as a person and in turn as a teacher. This poem is positive but also realistic. It is blunt and stern, but comforting and calm– characteristics of a good teacher.
Where am I going?
This poem is a reflection of who I am today, but also who I strive to become as a person, educator, and partner.