Desidera

ta
by: Max Ehrmann

About Max Ehrmann

Born: Indiana, United

States September 26, 1872
Died: September 09, 1945
He is an attorney from Indiana, was
best known for writing the prose
poem "Desiderata" (Latin: "things
desired as essential") in 1927.
He received a degree in English
from DePauw University, followed
by a degree in Philosophy from
Harvard University.
Finally at the age of 41, Ehrmann
decided to forget such work and
become a writer.
At the age of 55 he wrote
Desiderata, which achieved fame
only after his death

Desiderata
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.

Avoid loud and aggressive

persons,
they are vexations to the
spirit.
If you compare yourself
with others,
you may become vain and
bitter;
for always there will be

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

Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign
affection.
Neither be cynical about
love;
for in the face of all
aridity and
disenchantment

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.

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,

With all its sham, drudgery,

and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.

Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy

Why I chose Desiderata?

Ive read a lot books that are also
worthy to be shared but I chose
Desiderata because it helped me
believe in myself. When I was in 3rd
year a classmate of mine told me
that Im not good enough to get a
grade of 90 and above (because I
was a transferee). When I got home I
cried to my parents and told them
what my classmate told me and my

And because of this poem I learned

how to be contented with my life and
what I can do. But I still proved to
that classmate of mine that she is
wrong about me. And at the end of
the school year, I was included in the
top students and shes not.

Still .. To God be
all the glory.
Philippians 4: 13
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.