I first came across Desiderata, Max Ehrmann’s guide to life, when I was very young. Desiderata, Latin for “things to be desired”, is a prose poem written by Ehrmann in 1927; my dad had grown up with Desiderata hanging in every bathroom of his childhood home, and as he brought the poem into his adult life, it began to decorate the walls of our house too. Without realising it, Ehrmann’s words continued to be a constant presence in my life, one that has stayed with me so much that I find myself able to recite the poem by heart. The fact that my dad found that he too resonated with Desiderata enough to continue to carry the poem with him, shows how Desiderata truly serves its purpose by offering timeless guidance and perspective for a peaceful outlook that remains meaningful at any stage of life.
We’re growing up today in a fast-moving, intensely connected world. One that can feel often overwhelming, as we’re subject to constant streams of information, comparison, and pressure leaving little opportunity to take things in from a wider perspective. Desiderata’s message of reflection and calm is particularly pertinent during our focus on “depth over noise” this fortnight; the poem reflects the values Strong Body Strong Mind is nourishing throughout. Even as it begins, Ehrmann exemplifies the importance in slowing down, thinking deeply, and recognising what truly nourishes us rather than what quietly drains us, with his encouragement to “go placidly amidst the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.” As Desiderata approaches its 100th birthday, it’s interesting to note that even years ago, life felt fast-moving enough to inspire this poem. Perhaps, therefore, what we see as fast-moving modern life, is not so different from simply life itself.
We all need the gentle reminder to appreciate not only how far we’ve yet to go, but how far we’ve come – as Ehrmann writes, to “enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.” I believe we could all benefit from welcoming Ehrmann’s perspective: actively recognise the small brilliances of both our beautiful worldand ourselves. Be cheerful and strive to be happy.
Desiderata, by Max Ehrmann
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 labours 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.
