Desiderata

[birdandbear]

Fist - you should like this, it's Zenny.


Found in Old Saint Paul's Church, Baltimore, Dated 1692

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 ignorant; they too have their story.
Avoid loud and agressive 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 posession in the changing fortunes of time.
Excercise 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 disenchantmnt it is perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of 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 lonliness. 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 concieve him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
With all it's sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy.

[variol son]

With all it's sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.

thats my favourite bit

ive got a gift book of desiderata, apparently it isnt nearly as old as we think, written in the 30s or something. someone just kept it @ the church is all. when i get home from work ill get it out & find out properly.

sum sui generis
vs

[Fist and Faith]

Pretty cool. My favorite part is

And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

That's probably as good a translation of part of Verse 2 of the Tao Te Ching as the one I have:

The ten thousand things rise and fall without cease.