Desiderata

How can I forget this prose?  Back in high school, we were forced to memorize this lengthy piece of literature.  There was even a time that while reciting this prose, we were blindfolded and we would raise our hands in front of us with palms facing the sky, then somebody would be holding a lighted candle and place them over our hands.  The melting drops of hot candle would land on our hands and this would only stop until we were done reciting the whole prose.  I just memorized it out of fear because it was like we were having a paraffin test.  It hurt a lot, of course.  It was very hot.  I didn't have enough wisdom at that time to grasp the lesson it was trying to teach.  The message of the prose would not come to my understanding after ten years.  After all, ten years was just like yesterday!

After searching the world wide web, I have found a website that gives us the history of Desiderata.  Please visit  http://www.fleurdelis.com/desidera.htm









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 labors 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.






Take into your heart and mind the lessons being taught here.  This will be of big help to you.

Live a good life, la buena vida!

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