DESIDERATA
You must go placidly amid the
noise and haste and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as
possible without surrender, you be on good
terms with all persons.
You speak your
truth quietly and clearly; and you, listen to others, even the dull and
ignorant; for they too have their story.
You must
avoid loud & aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.
If you
compare yourself with others you will become vain & 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.
You must
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 & disenchantment it is perennial as the
grass.
You 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 & loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be
gentle with yourself.
Remember, You
are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; We
all 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
perceive him or her to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in
the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul. With all its sham,
drudgery & broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful, look
after one another. Human nature being as it is, we may not always agree with one
another but we should always respect one another, but remember, respect is a two
way street (giving and receiving) So if you
have not heard everything I said, Remember ye this, Keep
Children First and strive to be happy.
Found in Old Saint Baltimore Church, dated 1691 and Edited by
L. Louis Jordan in 1975
