Max Ehrmann Quotes

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.

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.

And though behind you lies a road of dust and heat and discouragement, and before you the challenge and uncertainty of untried paths, in this brief hour you are master of all highways, and the universe nestles in your soul.

Be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars.

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.

Whether of not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

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

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 will keep me friendly with myself.

Let me not follow in the clamor of the world, but walk calmly in my path.

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

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

Forbid that I should judge others, lest I condemn myself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

If you compare yourself to others, you may become vain and bitter;

for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

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

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.

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

Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

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

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.

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.

Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

Be cheerful . Strive to be happy.

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.

Remember what peace there may be in silence.

You are a child of the universe.

Keep interested in your own career, however humble;

it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Ere you lie down to sleep in the night, sit still awhile, and nurse again to life your gentler self. Forget the restless, noisy spirit of the day, and encourage to speech the soft voices within you that timidly whisper of the peace of the quiet night; and occasionally look out at the quiet stars. The night will soothe you like a tender mother, folding you against her soft bosom, and hiding you from the harm of the world.

For the entire Desiderata go to Inspirational Poems page

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.

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

Lift up my eyes from the earth and let me not forget the uses of the stars.

I should like, if I could, to leave a humble gift -- a bit of chaste prose that had caught up some noble moods.