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 vexacious 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.
2 comments:
I don't get that feeling from this poem. Perhaps that is the great thing about poetry--you get from it what you want.
From the 4th stanza, I get this--
Be yourself, don't be fake. But especially don't be fake about affectionate feelings.
I take this as advice on how to be true to oneself...not necessarily as instructions to live by. The author stays the course throughout...be yourself...be real...don't be fake...And while it may feel impossible to do sometimes, if you strive to live life as best you can, then in the long run you will feel good about what you have done.
I think the part of this poem that strikes the most significant chord with me is the last stanza. No matter what is going on around you, it is still a beautiful world. It brings to mind a quote from Anne Frank in her diary.
"I keep my ideals, because in spite of everything I still believe that people are really good at heart."
If ever anyone had reason to hate humanity, it was her. Yet she held on to her positive outlook. How would our lives be different if we did the same?
Bill, that's a great point. In answer, I can only refer to another post and another great mind. "Be the change you want to see in the world." If you take this advice to heart and if you take responsibility for yourself, then you are already making a difference. If everyone took care of himself or herself, think of all the changes that would take place. We are so quick to sit back and say "I can't make a difference, I give up." Instead, make the difference in yourself. We can all make a difference in the world if we try.
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