Quotes from Max Ehrmann

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.

For the entire Desiderata go to Inspirational Poems page

Go Placidly, Amid the noise and Haste & Remember what peace there may be in silence.

In the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul.

Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be.

Remember what peace there may be in silence.

I contracted a disease which I have never shaken off. The disease was idealism. Because of it, I did the thing in life I wanted to do - Writing.

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

... many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity & disenchantment it is perennial as the grass.

Speak your truth quietly & clearly; and listen to others, even the dull & ignorant; they too have their story.

If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than 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.

Let me do my work each day, and if the darkened hours of despair overcome me, may I not forget the strength that comforted me in the desolation of other times.

As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.

Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

You are a child of the Universe, no less than the moon 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.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

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.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.

If you compare yourself to others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.