August 2004 The Megaphone Page 3
DESIDERATA
by
Max Ehrmann
1872
-1945
GO PLACIDLY amid the noise and 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 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 bitter or vain, 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 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 and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.
YOU ARE A child of the universe, no less that 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 labors 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.
©1927,
Max Ehrmann
A Note from
While reading an article this week on Max Ehrmann, Desiderata, a prose poem reflecting his outlook on life, was included in the text. I don’t recall ever having read it before while in high school or college. It is one of those things that makes you stop and think. I found myself re-reading each section and dissecting it for today’s living. And it still fits. Maybe we should all pause, read and reflect. Maybe I’m just being melancholy. July has been a month of reflection for me. There have been family reunions, illnesses, death and then the funeral "reunions." Where it seems that is the only time family members find the time to actually get together and ‘catch-up’ with one another. With the questions of: "Where do you live now," "Where do you work," "How many children …..," and the list goes on. Then comes the self-evaluation of: "What if I would have done this… ." Mr. Ehrmann has his philosophy and I have mine…”To make the best decision possible with the information that I have at that time and I’ll have no regrets. Be true to myself.” This entry for the Megaphone is a bit out of the norm from my usual submissions, but I hope that you might find this enlightening and will be able to put your own spin on it.
Sincerely,
Nancy Sumner '66
Elwood