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.