Go placidly amid 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 others,
even to 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 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 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
fatique 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 labours and
aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace in your
soul.
With all its sham, drudgery and broken
dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive
to be happy.
Max Ehrmann