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Desiderata

Started by lightvi, April 26, 2010, 05:00:34 AM

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lightvi

i don't know if any of you have read this before but i absolutely love it, it's a wonderful poem that has helped me at times :) thought i would share it with all of you too ^^

--
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.


-- written by Max Ehrmann in the 1920s --
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spacial

My mother gave me a copy of this in 1970.

At that time, it was believed to be a religious text from the 17th century, though later was discovered to be more recent.

As many will know, it was subsequently made into a very cheesy song of sorts.

The text of this has guided me throughout my life. It contans some of the most profound truths. Made more poinent because we all know them to be true.

For me, the most significant line is:

You are a child of the universe. No less than the trees and the stars, you have a right to be here.

No apologies for putting that in bold.
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lightvi

that is my favorite line too :)
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LaPapito

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.

This is my favorite verse...since it seems appropriate in todays world with all the bickering about whose G-d is justifiable over the other...
Same G-d, different religion, same belief...unless of course you are praticing another form of mystical belief...then it would be: different G-d, diferrent religion, however, it would still be (the) same belief...!!! (the belief of a higher Entity of some sort).
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tekla

Always liked the National Lampoon parody more, seemed to make more sense.

"Deteriorata" - National Lampoon

Go placidly amid the noise and waste,
And remember what comfort there may be in owning a piece thereof.
Avoid quiet and passive persons, unless you are in need of sleep.
Rotate your tires.
Speak glowingly of those greater than yourself,
And heed well their advice, even though they be turkeys.
Know what to kiss, and when.
Consider that two wrongs never make a right, but that three do.
Wherever possible, put people on hold.
Be comforted that in the face of all aridity and disillusionment,
and despite the changing fortunes of time,
There is always a big future in computer maintenance.

Remember The Pueblo.
Strive at all times to bend, fold, spindle, and mutilate.
Know yourself. If you need help, call the FBI.
Exercise caution in your daily affairs,
Especially with those persons closest to you -
That lemon on your left, for instance.
Be assured that a walk through the ocean of most souls
Would scarcely get your feet wet.
Fall not in love therefore. It will stick to your face.
Gracefully surrender the things of youth: birds, clean air, tuna, Taiwan.
And let not the sands of time get in your lunch.
Hire people with hooks.
For a good time, call 606-4311. Ask for Ken.
Take heart in the bedeepening gloom
That your dog is finally getting enough cheese.
And reflect that whatever fortune may be your lot,
It could only be worse in Milwaukee.

You are a fluke of the universe.
You have no right to be here.
And whether you can hear it or not,
The universe is laughing behind your back.

Therefore, make peace with your god,
Whatever you perceive him to be - hairy thunderer, or cosmic muffin.
With all its hopes, dreams, promises, and urban renewal,
The world continues to deteriorate.
Give up!
FIGHT APATHY!, or don't...
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V M

@ lightvi - That's a cool poem  :)


@ tekla - You missed a couple of lines...
Dance the funky chicken
till you fall on your butt

The main things to remember in life are Love, Kindness, Understanding and Respect - Always make forward progress

Superficial fanny kissing friends are a dime a dozen, a TRUE FRIEND however is PRICELESS


- V M
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LaPapito

"Therefore, make peace with your god,
Whatever you perceive him to be - hairy thunderer, or cosmic muffin.
With all its hopes, dreams, promises, and urban renewal,
The world continues to deteriorate.
Give up!"


Another Lampooner...Awesome...this happens to be one of my favorite graphic magazine (since tha' beginning of time)...However tha' best(est) graphic magazine I believe to be numero uno is "Heavy Metal" My Brother is an affecionado of this mag...und well I was hooked fer life...!!! ;D
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Cindy

Sorry for getting off topic,

Anyone read "Bored of the Rings" by NL it was so good.

Cindy
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LaPapito

"Aye," chimed LaPapito. "If that Frito weren't the seed of a crossbow wedding, then I don't kno' lunch from din-din!" " The roisterers all laughed aloud as they rememered Frito's mother, Dildo's sister, who rashly plighted her troth to someone from the wrong side of the Gallowine (someone known to be a hafling, i.e. part boggie, part opossum). Several of the members took this up and there followed a series of coarse and rather simpleminded jests at the expense of the Buggers."
"What's more," said Fatlip, " Dildo's always acting...mysterious, if you know what I mean."

(Now that's an "old" issue)  ;D
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