DESIDERATA

As far as possible be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and cleanly, and listen to others,
even 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 
or bitter because always there will be a greater or 
lesser person 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 disappointment 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 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 it is clear to you or not,
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 and drudgery and broken dreams
it is still a beautiful world. Be careful.

- Max Ehrman, 1927