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Desiderata

TDGonDP

DP Veteran
Joined
Sep 11, 2018
Messages
328
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Location
Brooks, Alberta
Gender
Male
Political Leaning
Independent
I was about 16 years old when I first heard the musical version of Desiderata. By that time, I had changed my religion from Roman Catholicism to binge alcoholism. Needless to say, I really didn't embrace many of the principles of Max Ehrmann's 1927 poem. Yet this song and many of its sayings stuck in mind, and I would often mentally replay them, despite my life being contrary.



As life experiences happened, I would get deeper insights into poem. More importantly, I came to realize that I was employing more of the principles of Desiderata without a real deliberate attempt to do so. It would have been nice to reach that state earlier in life, but one must first get some life lessons to understand the message.



Below is the actual poem. Enjoy!



------------------


Go placidly amid the noise and 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 the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and 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.
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 dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.


You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
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 labors 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.
 
Heady thoughts.
Not for empty heads.
Best taken with full hearts.
Don't expect much in the way of response.
You raise the level of discourse here.
I hope you decide to stay.
 
Thank you for your kind words.

I wasn't expecting much response. My mind was not in a position to hear this message when I first heard it. But it's amazing the effect the message had on me. Someone else might be getting the same effect.

Check your private message.
 
I'd forgotten all about that beautiful poem (was in high school). Thank you for that.

It brings to mind a part of Romans 12, and somehow - Solomon's Ecclesiastes (written by what seemed to be a depressed Solomon as he viewed in this world, everything is meaningless).
 
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A great text!

I like to read it again and again!
 
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