When I studied English—some 20 years ago, my teacher once brought us ‘’ Desiderata’’  for translation. Then it was still  believed that this poem was written in 1692 by an unknown author—the widely spread rumor said it was found on the door of  Old Saint Paul’s Church in Baltimore,  Maryland. In  fact, it was written in 1927 by an Indiana poet named Max  Ehrmann.

 The title, ‘’DESIDERATA’’ , is a Latin word meaning things that are desired (in this case, things that are desired in life) .

 With words very meaningful to people of many different cultures and religions, it speaks about life and how to make it full, decent and rich even into old age;  about the elderly and the nearness of death. It is a poem that tries to give answers to many questions like living decently (and, even more, about decent behavior) and death; the purpose of life; our responsibilities in life; our enjoyment of life; and the elegant stepping back to give  place and right to the young ones–  ‘’gracefully surrender things of youth’’  but without ignoring yourself; continuing to dream and to strive for happiness …

Well, time has passed and I am not 15 or twenty; in fact I am approaching fifty now. But, since that time in my youth, Desiderata has always brought fresh meaning to me, shining as a guiding light in front of me through the course of my life. When I have difficulties, when I am desperate and do not know which way to take, in whom to believe or how to go on, I still turn to this poem. And, as with some universal medicine, it helps me to continue and to feel better…. After all, ‘’ With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,  it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful
Strive to be happy.’’

  What else to add, except to present you this poem, which has sadly fallen out of popularity these days and is possibly almost unknown amongst the computer-loving young, yet which even now has a wealth of things to say.

Therefore, read it and enjoy!

DESIDERATA

Max  Ehrmann

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 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 with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.