Topic: Desiderata...

[abnormaltoy]

I was giving some advice to my nephew...he's entering the age when pressure to "belong" to a particular group is mounting. After our talk, I realized how similar my advice to him was to an early 20th century poem was.

I'd like for you to post any sayings, truisms or adages that have helped shape your ethos.

I think this particular bit of work is more applicable today, in our extraordinarily shallow, selfish culture, than for the culture for which it was written.

Desiderata (Desired Things)

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 the 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 or bitter;
for always there will 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 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 dark 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 cheerful.
Strive to be happy.

[abnormaltoy [OP]]

My version was in more homespun, plain spoken words...but the end was very much the same.

[brainlessfool]

to sum up....






                       Roses are red
                            Violets are blue
     
                                    I see what you gots and I wants it too.         

[abnormaltoy [OP]]

Is the question too deep for the weekend?   

[Toymin8r]

I'm more on the level of nursery rhymes by Andrew Dice Clay.

[brainlessfool]

Is the question too deep for the weekend?   

at this time of the morning.

[Stocker]

Is the question too deep for the weekend?   

I learned much from the quiet examples of my parents & grandparents. I think my character (such as it is) was formed more by observation & interaction of daily life, and less by saws, adages, or deep thoughts.

Hmmm, why am I suddenly thinking of Jack Handey? 

[abnormaltoy [OP]]

Hmmm, why am I suddenly thinking of Jack Handey? 

'Cause darn it...people like you! 

[Rocksurfer]

Yeah too much for this time of night.