Desiderata
by Sybilla Golec |
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Go
placidly amid the noise and the 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 vexatious to the spirit. If you
compare yourself to others you may become vain and bitter, for always
there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. |
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your
career however humble; it is a real possesion in the changing fortunes
of time. Exercise caution in your business afairs, 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 thing of youth.
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Nurture the strength of spirit to shield 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 than the trees and the stars:
you have the right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no
doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
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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 with your soul. With all its shams, drudgery and
broken dreams it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be
happy. |
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