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 every
where 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 that 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 Ehrmann