Max Ehrmann (September 26, 1872 – September 9, 1945) was, an American writer, poet, and attorney from Terre Haute, Indiana. Ehrmann was of German descent; both his parents emigrated from Bavaria in the 1840s. Ehrmann often wrote on spiritual themes. In 1927, he wrote his most famous poem, DESIDERATA.
DESIDERATA means "desired things." It urges people to see the beauty and troubles of the world through wise, hopeful and compassionate eyes. Ehrmann said that he wrote it for himself "because it counsels those virtues I felt most in need of." DESIDERATA has touched millions of hearts and many people pattern their lives after it.
The text of the poem was widely distributed in poster form and in late 1971 and early 1972, Les Crane's spoken-word recording of Desiderata peaked at #8 on the Billboard chart, #4 on the Canadian RPM Magazine chart, and #6 on the UK Melody Maker's chart.
I have found this simple, yet powerful, poem to be a constant source of inspiration and solace. Recently, I shared it for the first time with my daughter when she was going through a rough patch. I hope that she finds its straightforward beauty to be as inspirational as I have.
I hope you enjoy it as well.
DESIDERATA (1927)
By 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.
Les Crane - DESIDERATA
Last week I had the opportunity to spend a few days in the California Central Coast town of San Luis Obispo. San Luis Obispo (or SLO as it is known to the locals) is an idyllic place, especially for lovers of outdoor activities.
As you may have guessed, I brought my bike along with me and spent many hours happily riding the roads in and around town. In SLO, cycling is a widely accepted mode of transportation. The Bill Roalman (Morro Street) Bicycle Boulevard gives priority to bicycle traffic while a special bicycle traffic signal (one of only a handful in the United States) allows bicyclists their own phase in traffic flow. The SLO County Bicycle Coalition offers a free bicycle valet service during the weekly Farmers' Market. In 2007, the city was designated as a Bicycle Friendly Community at the Silver level by the League of American Bicyclists.
One of my rides took me for a 50 mile jaunt from SLO to Morro Bay to Avila Beach and back to SLO. In the middle of the ride, the skies opened up and I was caught in a heavy, but thankfully brief, downpour that soaked me to the bone. But as they say, every dark cloud has a silver lining.
In my case, the silver lining were the beautiful rainbows that greeted me as the rain moved across the valley. Luckily I had my camera with me, so please enjoy with me the sight of these beautiful rainbows.
