Timeless Advice

"Don't date who you know you can't mate; you never know who you'll fall in love with!" 

"You have two ears and one mouth for a reason; you should listen twice as much as you talk."

"Listen to your mama; eat your vegetables; save your money, etc. etc. etc." 

Advice.
It is often handed out but how long is it remembered?
And how widely is it circulated?

Above are bits of advice I've heard growing up, but below is some advice that has been around for decades (possibly centuries) and it has traveled around the globe and been translated into several languages. 

I recently came across the advice that was given to me over a decade ago in a Christmas letter from my SIXTH GRADE (!?!) teacher. I guess you could call me a pack-rat. Or sentimental. Maybe a bit of both ;)

But, as I was leafing through old letters and notebooks and journals from school, that 6th grade letter had a poem in it that truly struck me. It was very deep for a 12 year old (I would have needed a dictionary just to understand half the words!). However, sitting there in a pile of dust and papers from the attic, reading the letter as a 23 year old, I  was impressed by how relevant the advice was.

The advice (below in the poem) is timeless.

The author and original creation date are a bit murky but there is no doubt that the letter is from another era.

I think there is something powerful about this bit of advice that it was pertinent then and still today. Hope you like it!

Desiderata

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

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your 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 critical 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 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 labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul. 

With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. 

Be careful. 

Strive to be happy.

© Max Ehrmann 1927