Am putting this poem on this blog for easier reading.
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 vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater
and lesser persons than yourself.
and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there
is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be critical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.
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.
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in
sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with imaginings.
But do not distress yourself with imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.
Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
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.
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
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.
it is still a beautiful world.
Be careful. Strive to be happy.
