inspiration

[Guest guest]

(Author unknown; slightly modified)

Go placidly amid the noise and 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 the dull and ignorant, they too have their story. Avoid

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

you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter, for

their will always 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

perennial as the grass. Take kindly in 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

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 are needed in

this world. Do not concern yourself with other worlds, for they do not

exist. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is

unfolding in an ordered manner. Therefore, be at peace with nature and

the mysterious process of evolution, whatever you conceive it to be; and

whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life,

strive to maintian your own inner peace while you do those things bring

you

happiness and contribute to the survival of humanity. With all its sham,

drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.