In December 2003, a friend came on a visit to India. Indian but had done his graduation and further education abroad. Went to his uncles' place where he was staying. He had not yet come back from shopping. Looking around the simple, nice and clean house, noticed a framed picture. Got up and went to have a closer look. It wasn't a picture. It was plaque with the title of Desiderata. Liked it very much so borrowed a sheet of paper and a pen and copied it down. Reaching home kept it for safe keeping in a long sized book. Somehow the piece of paper became my sacred possession. Fearing that I would misplace it somewhere would check if its there, often. Like everything, it slowly waned away from my mind. And today appeared all of a sudden. Checked the notebook again. It was still there. Here it is.
Desiderata
"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 the 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 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 with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy. "
Desiderata means "Things to be Desired" in Latin.
