o placidly amid the noise and the haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
s far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
peak your truth quietly and clearly,
and listen to others,
even the dull and ignorant;
they too have their story.
void loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexatious to the spirit.
f you compare yourself with others
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater
and lesser persons than yourself.
njoy your achievements as well as your plans.
eep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
xercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
ut let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
e yourself.
specially do not feign affection.
either be cynical about love,
for the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.
ake kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
urture strength of spirit
to shield you in sudden misfortune.
ut do not distress yourself with imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
eyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
ou are a child of the universe
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
nd whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
herefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be.
nd whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace with your soul.
ith all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
trive to be happy.
Copyright Max Ehrmann
"You see things; and you say,
'Why?
But I dream things that never were;
and I say,
'Why not?'"
-George Bernard Shaw
He who has health, has hope;
and he who has hope,
has everything.
- Arabian Proverb
"To love oneself is the beginning
of a lifelong romance"
- Oscar Wilde
