“Desiderata” (Latin: “things desired”) is an early 1920s prose poem by the American writer Max Ehrmann. The text was widely distributed in poster form in the 1960s and 1970s.
Desiderata
Go placidly1 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 dull2 and the ignorant; they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious3 to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain4 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 aridity5 and disenchantment, it is as perennial6 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.
by Max Ehrmann
Definitions
The following are word definitions for young folks like me who have a weak grasp of the English language from our great-grandparents’ generation.
- Placidly: in a calm and peaceful way, with very little movement. Synonym: tranqulity.
Ex: “The river sparkled placidly in the sun.” ↩︎ - Dull: (of a person) slow to understand; stupid.
Ex: “the voice of a teacher talking to a rather dull child.” ↩︎ - Vexatious: causing or tending to cause annoyance, frustration, or worry. ↩︎
- Vain: having or showing an excessively high opinion of one’s appearance, abilities, or worth. ↩︎
- Aridity: Dryness; lack of interest. (Formal) the state of not being interesting or successful.
Ex: “The aridity of a life without love.” ↩︎ - Perennial: Lasting or existing for a long or apparently infinite time; enduring or continually recurring.
Ex: “his perennial distrust of the media.” ↩︎
Comments
This poem offers useful advice to the general reader. There are a few things that, as Muslims, we would recommend changing.
You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. We would not talk about a human’s relationship to the universe, AKA the creation in the Mulk (lower kingdom of Allah Most High), in such a way. The human being is the khalifa of the Earth. We are supposed to be its caretakers. The Earth and its animals have been made subservient to mankind out of Allah’s Most High generosity and mercy upon us so we may be grateful to Him. He created everything with a purpose and guided it. We all have a higher purpose and if we want it, we can ask Him to give it to us. It’s not that we have a right to be here, but He created us to worship Him and get to know Him. Don’t think you are out of place because you have a right to be here, but because the Lord put you here and He can move you to and fro. If you want a better place to be, it may be that your current place is already the best for you physically but spiritually you need to move. Or perhaps a different place geographically is better for you. He knows and we don’t, so we ask Him to decide for us.
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. Rather, the decree of Allah Most High is unfolding as it should. Now we fall short as flawed human beings. Perfection is only for the Creator. Be at peace with Him and be pleased with Him as your Lord and He will be pleased with you. al-Salaam, the Giver of Peace, is one of His Divine Names, so call upon Him to give you peace. Learn about Allah Most High and grow in your understanding of Him by learning correct Islamic theology.
Copyright status: The poem is now officially in the public domain throughout the U.S., as written works registered before 1928 entered the public domain in 2023.
Halaqa 