DESIDERATA

Desiderata is a Latin word meaning desired things. It is an inspirational prose poem about attaining hapiness in life. It was written by a lawyer cum poet by the name of Max Ehrmann from Indiana, USA who lived between 1872-1945. There were some misconceptions about the origin of this poem & the authorship where some mistook that it originated from the St. Paul's Church from Baltimore USA in 1692 AD.

Still then, the sayings of the past still very much can be applied to the present days. These words of advice contain the wisdom of the past that are worth following for we have nothing to lose by so doing. It does not matter what faith we belong to, as long as we can keep the good virtues. I believe that is the essence of what all the religions are about. Nevermind the fanatics.

DESIDERATA

Go placidly amid the noise & 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 the others, even the dull & the ignorant, they too have their story. Avoid loud & aggresive persons, they are vexation to the spirit.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter for always there will be greater & lesser persons than yourself. Keep interested in your career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your daily affairs; for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you so 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 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.

Be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the Universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have every 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 aspiration in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul. With all it's sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a Beautiful World. Be careful, strive to be happy.

May peace be with you always.