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| There is evidence that Max Ehrmann wrote Desiderata ("desired things") in 1927. I like the thing. It has a high concentration of wisdom -- approximately one good nugget of wisdom for every five or six words. The original can be viewed here. However, it is an imperfect poem. Perhaps that's par for the course. Perhaps, because it's a poem, it cannot be perfect. Poems are written for their times but are also supposed to be timeless. Seems somewhat like an impossible task. We could just say it's "hard" and leave it at that -- but I would appreciate input on this notion, input from those more highly skilled in creating/evaluating fine arts. Anyway, I left the poem intact. The original can be viewed here. I only added words; words italicized and in [brackets] like [this]. Here is what I came up with, working on Desiderata: ============ 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 [good] persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant [if only to discover the level or limit of their dullness or ignorance]; they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons [unless they are loud and aggressive about the right things; just as Aristotle would advise]; they are [or can be] 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 [except for that one best and that one worst person in this world]. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans [just make sure that you plan to achieve]. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time [though never fail to aspire to "less humble" careers if the timing coincides with your developed potential]. 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 [and don't you ever forget it]. 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 [actually, more of a right than trees or stars ever could have]. 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 [even if all you conceive of “God” as simply a misnomer for the natural order of things or, more specifically, as an “unholy trinity" characterized by: 1) nature; 2) good friends; and 3) the "correct" philosophy/psychology (for humans living on earth)]. 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 [and a benevolent universe]. Be cheerful. Strive to be [the kind of person who is most likely to be] happy. ============ I expect some blowback on this one from those who might consider this kind of thing to be vile and terribly insulting. I'm not trying to get under anyone's skin. I'm trying to be sort of like one of those cool mirrors that not only reflects the light that there is in the world, but makes you appear thinner at the same time. You know the ones, the kind of mirrors that they put on the walls of the locker room at the health club. A mirror that reflects what's best or what "might be." :-) Ed | ||||
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