This is basically a repeat blog but it still has a special
message.
It is not a message I have composed but rather a text
that was written in 1927.
The Desiderata.
The original author, Max Ehrmann, was an attorney-
turned “philosopher-poet”. It is said he wrote it simply for himself yet it has
continued to inspire all who read it. The text, basically unknown in the
author's lifetime, was written in 1927. Then, it was found in the late 50’s and
added it to a collection of devotional prose. It was- at first, believed to
have been written in the 1600’s. Further investigation found that it was
written in 1927 by Ehrmann.
It is truly remarkable that one person was able to
write something so compelling and beautiful.
Over the ages there have been many poems written that
elicit a wide range of emotions. “In Flanders Fields” comes to mind. How
difficult it is to recite- or listen, to that poem during Remembrance Day
services.
This particular piece of prose was recorded in 1971 by
Les Crane. The prose was rather unknown yet Crane recorded it- spoken word,
with a chorus and music. It was called The Desiderata. It became a hit
recording.
Its message of hope, love and good will could be a
religion. I believe the poem offers much more in its 33 lines, than most of
today’s so called religious texts. The message is not necessarily a religious
one but a spiritual one. Spiritual on a level that all people and cultures can
appreciate and understand- “Life is good despite all the nastiness in our
world.”
(The Desiderata is copyrighted by Bell & Son
Publishing. NYC, NY.)
The
Desiderata
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
to 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 or 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's
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 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 dark 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 conceive him to be.
And
whatever your labours and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life,
keep
peace in your soul.
With
all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.
Be
cheerful. Strive to be happy.
