In 1927, Max Ehrmann, a 55-year-old non-descript lawyer/poet from Terre Haute, Indiana wrote “Desiderata.” Some have postulated that Ehrmann must have been guided by divine assistance when writing this poem. It clearly exceeded his assumed capability. In his diary, Ehrmann described his inspiration as follows: “I should like, if I could, to leave a humble gift – a bit of chaste prose that had caught up some noble moods.”
I often wonder if we don’t consistently underestimate how much of a difference we have made and how truly valuable we are. I also wonder if Max Ehrmann had any idea how much his “humble gift” would make a difference in people’s lives or the inspiration that it would give to so many, nearly eighty years after his passing. I hope he did, because his words are powerful, and his advice is ageless and uplifting. It speaks loudly of our individual significance – a significance that we too often overlook amid the hustle and bustle of our ambitious lives.
The title is Latin and can be translated as either “Things to be Desired” or “Things Desired as Essential.”
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.
Each of us has a purpose. There is a reason we are here on earth. We all have a destiny. We all leave a legacy. We may never see our ripples, but they are there. At age 40 Ehrmann left business to write. At age 55, he wrote Desiderata, which achieved fame only after his death.
We are not here by chance. To question our significance at times may be human nature, but none of us are weak, nor are we irrelevant. Quite the contrary.
Following the precepts put forward in Desiderata provides us with an integral roadmap. It can guide us in acquiring the true vision of our ultimate purpose and achieving it. It also provides us with the ingredients necessary to experience and enjoy a full and abundant life, regardless of our circumstance or station.
When Moses was drawn to Mt. Horeb and God appeared to him and told him that He was sending him back to Pharaoh to lead the Israelites out of bondage in Egypt. Moses first questioned his own ability to accomplish such a daunting purpose. Moses said to God, “Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” And God’s simple reply was, “I will be with you.” (Exodus 3:11-12). Moses was eighty years old and a lowly shepherd, yet no one can argue his legacy. So, it is with each of us. Armed with faith, we are no less powerful and no less significant.
What is important is not the instrument in God’s hand, but the One in whose hand the instrument is being held. So, be cheerful and strive to be happy. With faith, you will achieve your intended purpose and it will be powerful, awesome, and remembered!
Have an AWE-full Weekend!
William “Bill” Bacque