Blog Number NINE: Desiderata

Desiderata. A word known only to a few men.Desiderata is from the word desideratum meaning a desire which is highly necessary. 

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 to the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexatious 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 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 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 labors 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.

Max Ehrman, a classic famous poet, wrote a poem entitled Desiderata in the 1920's. Through thorough reading and research, I have learned that Desiderata is a poem that is really inspiring. Its is such a masterpiece that one should really read and one should also use it as a guide in one's life. It tells about what should a person do to live life to the fullest, to be happy and close-to-be contented. It is a poem that tells the positive attitudes and outlooks in life that may bring joy to one's self.

I want to know more about its history since it's background was considered as confused. "I should like, if I could, to leave a humble gift--a bit of chaste prose that had caught up some noble moods" a famous line of Ehrman and the result was Desiderata. And the rest was still unknown to me.

I appreciate the fact that we were able to read a poem like this  written by a famous author that once made an impact to the crowd. I can apply my learning and insights  through using this poem as my guide in life, for me to attain a joyful and contented life.