My brother had sent me this write up by Max Ehrmannn some years ago, but then it had seemed full of worthless fundaes. But now when I read it again, i found it to be so beautiful...
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. 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. 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 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, andwhatever 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 cheerful.
Strive to be happy.
-- Max Ehrmannn
2 comments:
I take exception to the fact that you call it a "write-up" . It is a poem, IMHO .
So Kushal, the time has come for me to unlock yet another source of endless enjoyment. Whenever you're online and don't know what to do. read a couple of poems on the Minstrels page. It is one of the _best_ collections of poetry on the internet (available freely). What more, it is run by 2 ex-iitians. If you donot know where to start, try using the "random poem" button. Poems are also arranged by their length: sometimes shorter poems are better for light, casual reading. Also, once I know of the kind of poems you like, I can make recommendations. I would recommend starting with the works of Don Marquis.
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