Desiderata

[Under development: 8 June 2005]

I first encountered this passage when I was an undergraduate. I was impressed by it, not because, as many people at the time believed, erroneously I later discovered, it was written in the seventeenth century, but because it validated the conceptualisation of a spirituality (including a spirit of living) not predicated on a Judeo-Christian god. The writing said to me that a largely atheistic awareness was okay.

Although I now see the passage as benignly patronising and patriarchal, it is well-meaning, and I can easily agree with many of its sentiments. It has a timelessness that reminds me of Ecclesiastes chapter 3, although perhaps less careworn, and therefore a little more innocent.

In TA terms, however, it appears to speak from the parent ego state, as does much religious injunction, expecting to be heard and obeyed by the child ego state. I have tried to overcome this shortcoming by using what I believe to be the subjunctive voice in the text of my Daily Prayer.

The passage asserts my right to be myself, which I like. This aspect equates with the affirmation of the organismic self of a person-centred standpoint.

I hope that I am not breaking copyright by reproducing it here. It was written, I think, by Max Ehrlmann in 1928, and is available in books of his collected poetry.

Desiderata

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 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 labours 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.

by Max Ehrlmann

p.g.h@btinternet.com

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