-Desiderata-<br /><br />Go placidly amid the noise and haste,<br />and remember what peace there may be in silence.<br />As far as possible without surrender<br />be on good terms with all persons.<br />Speak your truth quietly and clearly;<br />and listen to others,<br />even the dull and the ignorant;<br />they too have their story.<br /><br />Avoid loud and aggressive persons,<br />they are vexations to the spirit.<br />If you compare yourself with others,<br />you may become vain and bitter;<br />for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.<br />Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.<br /><br />Keep interested in your own career, however humble;<br />it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.<br />Exercise caution in your business affairs;<br />for the world is full of trickery.<br />But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;<br />many persons strive for high ideals;<br />and everywhere life is full of heroism.<br /><br />Be yourself.<br />Especially, do not feign affection.<br />Neither be cynical about love;<br />for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment<br />it is as perennial as the grass.<br /><br />Take kindly the counsel of the years,<br />gracefully surrendering the things of youth.<br />Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.<br />But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.<br />Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.<br />Beyond a wholesome discipline,<br />be gentle with yourself.<br /><br />You are a child of the universe,<br />no less than the trees and the stars;<br />you have a right to be here.<br />And whether or not it is clear to you,<br />no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.<br /><br />Therefore be at peace with God,<br />whatever you conceive Him to be,<br />and whatever your labors and aspirations,<br />in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.<br /><br />With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,<br />it is still a beautiful world.<br />Be cheerful.<br />Strive to be happy.