DESIDERATA

You must go placidly amid the noise and haste and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender, you be on good terms with all persons.

You speak your truth quietly and clearly; and you, listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; for they too have their story.

You must avoid loud & aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others you will become vain & 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.

You must 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 & disenchantment it is perennial as the grass.

You 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 & loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.

Remember, You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; We all 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 perceive him or her to be, and whatever your labors and 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, look after one another. Human nature being as it is, we may not always agree with one another but we should always respect one another, but remember, respect is a two way street (giving and receiving) So if you have not heard everything I said, Remember ye this, Keep Children First and strive to be happy.

Found in Old Saint Baltimore Church, dated 1691