A TIMELY REMINDER FOR THE TIMES
A timely reminder for the times.
Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there maybe in silence.
As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with allpersons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even tothe dull and the ignorant, they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressivepersons, they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; foralways there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy yourachievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, howeverhumble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full oftrickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many personsstrive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself.Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love, for in theface of all aridity and disenchantment it is perennial as the grass.
Take kindly to the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering thethings of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.But do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigueand loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a childof the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to behere. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfoldingas it should.
Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, andwhatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keeppeace in your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautifulworld.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
Max Ehrmann c.1920