Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
And remember what peace
there may be found 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
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 future 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 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.
Do not distress yourself with imaginings;
many fears are born of fatigue & loneliness.
Beyond 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.
Be therefore at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labours & 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.