Philosophy Selections - "Desiderata"
by Max Ehrmann

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 to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are 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. 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. ~ Max Ehrmann, "Desiderata"

"Desiderata" was written in 1927 by Max Ehrmann, who was born in Terre Haute, Indiana in 1872. After his death in 1945, his widow published "Desiderata" in a book titled, The Poems of Max Ehrmann. In the late 1950s, the rector of Old St. Paul's Church in Baltimore mimeographed "Desiderata" and gave away copies on the church's letterhead with the date, A.D. 1692. The poem made its way into the public domain with Old Saint Paul's Church, Baltimore, A.D. 1692 as the source. Meanwhile, Max Ehrmann's 1927-copyright (No. 962402), renewed by his widow, Bertha K. Ehrmann, in 1954, is still valid. The copyright is currently owned by the estate of Robert Bell. Susan Loy has obtained copyright permission and paid royalties to use this beloved poem. Desiderata © 1927 by Max Ehrmann, all rights reserved; reprinted by permission of Bell & Son Publishing, LLC.

Susan Loy has given "Desiderata" a modern art print setting, in shimmering shades of blue, violet, black, and brown. She highlights the opening sentence, "Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence." The words of wisdom that follow, from, "As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons" to, "many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism," form a tower, rising above and sitting on a foundation created by the words, "Be yourself." The remaining words of the poem form a half-circle. The whole art print poem is surrounded by a background made up of cuneiform signs, spelling desiderata, which means "desired things".

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