The first time I saw Max Ehrmann’s classic statement was on a birthday card from my father-in-law. I thought at the time that perhaps he was trying to make a point – give me a nudge – that he didn’t feel able to do orally.I have seen this piece derided, and of course it has been repeated so widely, for so long, that the impact of sudden recognition is gone. Nonetheless there’s a tremendous amount of wisdom packed into these few paragraphs. Each sentence could be expanded into an essay, but to do so would be to remove the power that is provided by compact expression.
“Desiderata,” BTW, for the Latin-impaired, means roughly “essential things that are to be desired.”
Desiderata
Go placidly amid the noise and the 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 to the dull and the ignorant, they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit. Continue reading A classic statement on how to live