Go placidly amid the noise & haste, & 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 &
 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 & 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 & disenchantment it is 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 & loneliness.  Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle
 with yourself.  * You are a child of the universe, no less than the
 trees & 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 labors & 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. **
 

 
 		--Desiderata
 
 

Wil Stark, wstark04 (at) pobox _dot_com

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