Kevin, it's finally nice to see the poem attributed to the correct
author. Many of the copies from the 70s (including mine) were
unattributed saying (incorrectly) that it was found in a Church, dated
in the 17th century.
> -----Original Message-----
> From: owner-ba-autox@autox.team.net
> [mailto:owner-ba-autox@autox.team.net] On Behalf Of Kevin Stevens
> Sent: Thursday, December 05, 2002 15:30
> To: Jesus Villarreal
> Cc: ba-autox@autox.team.net
> Subject: Re: Peace on Earth
>
>
> On Thu, 5 Dec 2002, Jesus Villarreal wrote:
>
> > Kevin Stevens wrote:
> >
> > I don't see why peace on Earth is such a
> > > desideratum.
> > >
> > > KeS
> >
> > desideratum??? That's not in my English to Spanish
> > dictionary/translation book!! ;^)) Please control yourself Mr.
> > Stevens.
>
> Oh, I'm not buying that one, Jesus - you didn't have a velvet
> ultraviolet print of "Desiderata" hung over the waterbed of
> your pad during your salad days?
>
> KeS
>
> 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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