In spite of the fame of Desiderata, few people seem to know the true story of its origins. A common myth holds that it was written by an unknown author in the 17th century and inscribed on a wall at St.Paulīs Episcopal Church in Baltimore. Not true. In reality, it was written in 1927 by an Indiana attorney named Max Ehrmann.
Ehrmann was born in 1872 and entered Harvardīs School of Philosophy at the age of 22. He studied philosophy and law, spent ten years writing six books and finally, when he realized he could not make a living as a writer, began practicing law. Later he became a deputy prosecuting attorney in Terre Haute, Indiana.
In 1948, three years after his death, his widow included "Desiderata" in "The poems of Max Ehrmann," published by the Bruce Humphries Publishing Company, Boston, which is still publishing it today.
Desiderata
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 and 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 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 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 shams, drudgery,
and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.
Max Ehrmann, 1927
~ Books by Maxx Ehrmann ~
