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;
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
to 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 whole
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
with your soul.
With all its
sham, drudgery and broken dreams,
it is still
a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to
be happy.
By
Max Ehrmann,
1927