Desiderata...Timeless Inspiration for a New Year

There are books that stand on bookshelves for different reasons. As I pick up this book, I know when I reread it again, I will feel inspired. Also, I remember that my long-time, childhood and closest friend Mary Margaret gave this to me. I love inscriptions since they recall the time and place when a book was given. The inscription triggers memories of the person, place and time of life.  Her inscription reads:

Valentine's Day, February 14, 1973

Dear Mary Ann,
Here's a little something for a special person on an special day! Much love to you best friend and much happiness!
Happy day!
Love, Mary Margaret

Desiderata was written by Max Ehrmann in the nineteen twenties and its history was muddled over the years since it is believed it was included in a book of meditations for the congregation of Old St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Baltimore. This Brooke House edition is illustrated with simple yet elegant line drawings by Emil Antonucci. Since it appears to be in the public domain AND it is a New Year's inspiration, it is reprinted here:

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 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 with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.


I think this is a book to pass on to Lissa who, of all my daughters, knows Mary Margaret the best. I think she will treasure it as I have.

Worldcat