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I don't know WHO initially wrote Desiderata, (dated 1692), but it was given to me by my brother Peter when I was quite young.
Though young, it touched a very deep chord with me, as it still does, and I have always strived to remember the advice it gives.
To this day, after reading it so very very many times,
I still get a lump in my throat.

I must have had 100 copies of it over the years, but it always seems to get lost...... oddly enough though; it always seems to turn back up right when I most need to re-read it; and to be reminded of the message it gives.
Thank you Peter......
I love you.

Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise & haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly & clearly; and listen to others,
even the dull & ignorant; they too have their story.

Avoid loud & aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain & bitter;
for always there will be greater & 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 ever 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 ideal;
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 & disenchantment,
it is perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the council 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 & 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 labour & aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery & broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.

Be careful. Strive to be happy.