Life story about the poem DESIDERATA?
By krystalheart
@krystalheart (842)
Philippines
December 21, 2009 1:54pm CST
Hi Everyone,
Have you heard the poem by Max Erhmann entitled DESIDERATA?...
I learn this poem in my elementary days, and since today I always remember the wisdom it gives the reader.
I always put in mind the part that says "If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser person than yourself".
This art of work for me is somewhat really amazing, every thought gives enlightenment and wisdom to the reader. How bout you dear friends, do you also know this poem?... what is your favorite line in the poem?... do you agree and practice what was written in it?... Happy Day to Everyone.
2 people like this
12 responses
@grecychunny26 (9483)
• Philippines
22 Dec 09
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy
and
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even to the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexatious to the spirit.
That is my favorite part of Desiderata. I remember we memorized it when I was in second year in highschool. While memorizing I realized the poem is teaching us the way of life, so I treasure this poem until today.
1 person likes this
@vjagra (147)
• India
22 Dec 09
I have never been interested in poetry, but I liked the lines that you shared here. Would you be kind to send me some more parts of it through msg. I would also appreciate if some one shares some other meaningful and life-teaching poetry. Thanks
@grecychunny26 (9483)
• Philippines
22 Dec 09
of course. this is the whole poem of Desiderata
DESIDERATA
Go placidly 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 dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexatious 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 in your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
@Fulltank (2882)
• Philippines
21 Dec 09
"With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful, strive to be happy!" Did I write it correct. Thats the last part of the poem, right? I have memorize it during my high school day and had recited it in my theater arts subject. And I can still know most part of it until now. One thing I didn't know about this poem is its author. I taught its author is anonymous. Thats what I taught until now, thanks for your thread and I come to know its real author.
1 person likes this
@Fulltank (2882)
• Philippines
22 Dec 09
Thanks! still I can memorize majority of it. "Go placidly, amids the noise and haste, and remember what peace there maybe in silence!" See, I can still hear my dictions and body language while reciting it in my class 20 years ago, I think. And I got an "A-" for that.
1 person likes this
@Hatley (163776)
• Garden Grove, California
21 Dec 09
hi krystalheart oh my its been ages since I read that in college for a literature class. loved it so much. I try to live by this
poem too but often do not come very close, my favorite line was something that went like this whether or not you realize it,the universe is unfolding like it should. this made me stop and really think. I should reread it thought after all these years to refresh my memory.
1 person likes this
@paula27661 (15811)
• Australia
22 Dec 09
The first two lines are my favourite:
[i]"Go placidly amid the noise and the haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence."[/i]
I love this poem; I have a laminated copy of it which I used to stick to my fridge so I could read it every day. The poem covers everything you need to do to be the best that you can be and I attempt to abide by its words every day, I don't always succeed but I try!
1 person likes this
@Pose123 (21635)
• Canada
21 Dec 09
Hi krystalheart, I agree with you, and l really like this poem as well. I've had a copy of it for many years. I will never forget that I was reading that poem when I got word that my father had passed away.I guess my favourite would have to be.. "whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should". Blessings.
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (167434)
• Boise, Idaho
23 Dec 09
I haven't thought about the DESIDERATA for along time. I used to have it pinned up in my room and looked at it often. It does have alot of wisdom and gives the reader alot to think about. I think the line I like best is: "Speak your truth quietly and clearly". I like the thought of that. I guess because I am so opinionated. Hehehe
@oyenkai (4394)
• Philippines
23 Dec 09
Have you head the song (actually it's spoken word) Everybody's Free to Wear Sunscreen by Baz Luhrmann. It's the modern version of Desiderata. I recommend that you hear it, it's very refreshing and honest :)
My favorite lines are:
Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexatious to the spirit.
@good2go2001 (915)
• United States
22 Dec 09
I just had a relative share this with me a couple days ago. She thought i could frame a nice fancy copy of it and give it as a gift to my young adult children that are getting ready to leave home for the first time. I think theres alot of wisdom in this poem. Since its new to me i dont have a favorite line as of yet but im sure i will soon. Wish someone would have shared it with me years ago.
@arym72 (49)
• Philippines
22 Dec 09
Since the day I read this poem,i love it....my favorite line..BE YOURSELF.