July 11, 2022 at 1:33 p.m.
Amid The Noise & Haste
My wife, Lisa, was already familiar with the poem but enjoyed reading it again. Evidently, it was quite popular in the 60s and 70s, but I don't recall being introduced to it in or out of school. It appears to be regaining popularity and rightly so. Perhaps, you will find it helpful too whether it is your first time to read or not. You may also find the history of “Desiderata” of interest, as I did, when researching it. All kinds of plaques are available online for purchase at a variety of prices.
Desiderata (c) 1927 by Max Ehrmann, born September 16, 1872 in Terre Haute, Indiana.
“GO PLACIDLY AMID THE NOISE & HASTE & 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 & clearly; and listen to others, even the dull & ignorant; they too have their story.
“Avoid loud & aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain & bitter; for always there will be greater & 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 & disenchantment it is 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 & loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.
“You are a child of the universe, no less than the tree & the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not 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 & broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy.”
I arrived in Terre Haute to attend Indiana State University years after Max's life ended on this earth,1872-1945, but I now feel very connected to him and thankful that I found this extraordinary writing. It has prevailed for many years and will continue to prevail. Les Crane made it into a spoken hit. I would encourage you to listen. You may want to also listen to the "Serenity Song," which I collaborated on with Avery Tallent, a local songwriter and musician.
