It is still a while until 2007 here, but I thought this would be good advice for the new year, or any year (especially for those who never heard the Les Crane record back when):
> DESIDERATA > By Max Ehrmann 1927 > > 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 ignorant; > they too have their story. > > Avoid loud and aggressive persons, > for 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 labours 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. If anyone has a better copy of this, I would like to have it. This one I found on the web, but it seemed to be a automatic Voice to Text file. I tried to break it back up into verses, but I am sure I did not do well at it. Interestingly, back when the were playing the Les Crane recording on the radio, some were claiming that this dated from the 1600's. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
