I always thought the last line went "Be cheerful. Strive to be happy. Carry
a big stick, just in case."
Jim
At 03:30 PM 12/5/2002 -0800, Kevin Stevens wrote:
>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 the dull and 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 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 imaginings.
>Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
>Beyond a wholesome discipline be gentle to yourself.
>You are a child of the universe,
>no less than the trees and the stars and 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.
>--Max Ehrmann, 1927.
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