“DESIDERATA” One Of The World’s Most Loved Inspirational Poems Plus A New Rumi Translation
The life changing credo millions of people use to help navigate and make their way through the challenges of changing times
The DAWNING LIGHT, Volume 7, Issue Number 470
Monday, September 18, 2023
Photo Credits: Pixabay
“DESIDERATA” has become one of the world’s most loved and widely used inspirational poems because of its credo of life in dealing with challenging and ever changing times.
It was written in 1927 by Max Ehrmann, to remind himself about the important things in life.
“Desiderata” is a plural noun which means “all the things that we consider necessary or highly desirable in life.”
This poem and Max Ehrmann remained little known during his lifetime, and may have remained in obscurity except for a “chance” happening.
A copy of this poem was found by Adlai Stevenson’s bedside when he passed away in the 1960’s and was publicized by a reporter.
It became the credo of the Summer Of Love in the late 1960’s, and rapidly spread around the world in poster form.
It has become a movement within itself, reaching every corner of our planet.
Millions of people still regard it as a kind of roadmap to having a great and meaningful life,
I am sharing with you today because it is so lovely, so well written and so profound that I believe, like me, you will appreciate its full beauty over time.
Image credit: Pixabay
DESIDERATA—WORDS FOR LIFE 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 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 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, 1927 All Copyright rights belong to the owners Published here for educational purposes only
Photo Credit: Pixabay
A BEAUTIFUL VIDEO OF “DESIDERATA”
Perfectly performed, with sweet background music and classic images and the poem shown on screen…
A NEW TRANSLATION OF “DESTINY” FROM RUMI by Chinmayan
Calligraphy by Chinmayan
Image Credit: Still Mountain Meditation Center
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