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, eve the dull and ignorant, for they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive person for they are vexations to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others you may become vain and bitter; for their will always be persons greater and lesser than yourself. enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your career, however humble. It is a real blessing 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 the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in times of misfortune. But do not stress 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 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 may conceive him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your own soul.
With all of its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.
Desiderata
-Max Ehrmann
1927