Desiderata

Desiderata – Les Crane – on Warner Bros Records (K 16119) – Reached #8 in 1971

With so much corruption, violence, hatred and intolerance going on in the world, perhaps the time is right for everyone to step back, pause for thought, remember, and just think about these words which meant a lot to me at the time, and still do so to this day, and they clearly struck a chord with many people in the past. May they have the same effect now. If you feel the same way after reading this then please share the words around the world – they apply to everyone.

Desiderata

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 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,
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 do not let this 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 council of the years,
Gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you from sudden misfortune,
Do not distress yourself with imaginings –
Many fears are borne of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe.
No less that 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 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 careful. Strive to be happy.