DESIDERATA

Photography by Maxie

DESIDERATA

Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may

be in silence.  As far as possible and without surrender, be on good terms

will 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 vain and bitter;  for always there will be greater

and lesser persons than yourself.  Enjoy you 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 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 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

careful.  Strive to be happy.   Found in Old Saint Paul's Church, Baltimore.  Dated 1692