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Inspirational Thoughts

Arts & Culture > Poetry & Prose > The Desiderata of Happiness ~ Max Ehrmann ~
 

The Desiderata of Happiness ~ Max Ehrmann ~

A Prayer

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.

May I still remember the bright hours that found me walking over the silent hills of my childhood, or dreaming on the margin of a quiet river, when a light glowed within me, and I promised my early God to have courage amid the tempests of the changing years.

Spare me from bitterness and from the sharp passions of unguarded moments. May I not forget that poverty and riches are of the spirit.
Though the world knows me not, may my thoughts and actions be such as shall keep me friendly with myself.

Lift up my eyes from the earth, and let me not forget the uses of the stars. Forbid that I should judge others lest I condemn myself. Let me not follow the clamor of the world, but walk calmly in my path. Give me a few friends who will love me for what I am; and keep everburning before my vagrant steps the kindly light of hope
And though age and infirmity overtake me, and I come not within sight of the castle of my dreams, teach me still to be thankful for life, and for time's olden memories that are good and sweet; and
may the evening's twilight find me gentle still.



Max Ehrmann, 1927

page: myweb.wvnet.edu/~jelkins/lp-2001/ehrmann.html

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Max Ehrmann (September 26, 1872 - September 9, 1945), an attorney from Indiana, was best known for writing the prose poem "Desiderata" (Latin: "something desired as essential") in 1927.

Ehrmann, who was of German descent, received a degree in English from DePauw University, followed by a degree in Philosophy from Harvard University. He then returned to his hometown of Terre Haute, Indiana to practice law. Eventually this led him to work in his family's meatpacking business and in the overalls manufacturing industry. Finally at the age of 41, Ehrmann decided to
forget such work and become a writer. At the age of 55 he wrote Desiderata, which achieved fame only after his death.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Max_Ehrmann


posted on July 8, 2008 6:02 PM ()

Comments:

"Forbid that I should judge others lest I condemn myself...." I think this is the one I try hardest to practice in my life.
comment by dragonflyby on July 11, 2008 9:00 AM ()
Gently... sweetly... lightly... hopefully.... YES!
comment by marta on July 8, 2008 8:49 PM ()
"You are a child of the universe. No less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here." Mr. Ehrmann was a true poet and an enlightened soul.
comment by hayduke on July 8, 2008 6:53 PM ()

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