Desiderata

Go placidly

amidst 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 the dull and ignorant;
they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are
vexatious to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may
become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons
than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested
in your 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 imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a
wholesome discipline be gentle to yourself.

You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars and 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 labours 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.