Desiderata is a collection of wise and uplifting reflections—words that express the essential and deeply desired virtues of life. Technically, desiderata refers to things that are considered necessary or greatly longed for, and the poem presents a timeless list of such ideals.
Go placidly amid the noise and 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 the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and 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 with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.
Desiderata by Max Ehrmann in 1927
Analysis (AI)
- Inner Peace and Tranquility
- The opening lines urge the reader to “go placidly amid the noise and haste,” advocating for calmness amidst life’s chaos. The notion that peace can be found in silence reflects a meditative approach to life.
- Compassion and Tolerance
- Lines like “be on good terms with all persons” and “listen to others, even the dull and the ignorant” reflect values of empathy, humility, and acceptance.
- Individuality and Authenticity
- Ehrmann advises to “be yourself” and warns against “feigning affection,” promoting honesty and self-awareness.
- Resilience and Perspective
- Acknowledging life’s struggles, he encourages embracing the journey with courage: “Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.”
- Universal Belonging
- The poem elevates the reader’s sense of worth: “You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars.” This line provides existential reassurance and spiritual affirmation.
- Hope and Positivity
- Despite life’s imperfections—“its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams”—the poem concludes on a hopeful note: “It is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.”
🎭 Tone
- The tone is gentle, reflective, reassuring, and philosophical. It avoids dogma and instead provides compassionate counsel, often speaking directly to the reader as a mentor or wise elder would.
📐 Structure and Style
- Free Verse: The poem doesn’t adhere to a specific rhyme or meter, allowing for a conversational and flowing rhythm.
- Imperative Voice: The frequent use of commands (“Go placidly,” “Avoid loud and aggressive persons,” “Be yourself”) gives it a guiding tone.
- Parallelism: The poem often balances ideas through structure, such as “Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.”
- Contrast and Juxtaposition: Contrasts are used to convey wisdom, such as between peace and noise, truth and deception, youth and age.
🌌 Philosophical and Spiritual Dimensions
- Though not religious in a strict sense, the poem has spiritual undertones. It acknowledges a higher order in life: “The universe is unfolding as it should.”
- It embraces universal human values rather than specific doctrines, appealing to readers of varied beliefs.
✨ Legacy and Impact
- “Desiderata” became especially popular during the 1960s and 1970s, a time of social upheaval and spiritual searching.
- Its enduring popularity lies in its timeless relevance, providing solace and wisdom across generations.
✅ Conclusion
“Desiderata” is more than a poem—it’s a philosophical guide for living a balanced, authentic, and meaningful life. It invites readers to seek peace within themselves and with the world, even in turbulent times. Its power lies in its simplicity, compassion, and unwavering optimism.