Desiderata – A Life Changing Poem for Hard Times

“Desiderata” is a prose poem written by American poet Max Ehrmann. He penned this work in 1927, and it gained popularity in the 1960s after being widely circulated and embraced for its inspirational and timeless wisdom. The word “desiderata” itself is Latin for “things desired.”

The poem imparts a series of life lessons and guidelines for living a meaningful and fulfilling life. It encourages self-acceptance, empathy, and a peaceful outlook on life’s challenges. Here are some notable lines from “Desiderata”:

“Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.”

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

“Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit.”

“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.”

The poem encourages individuals to find contentment in simple things, appreciate beauty, and maintain a sense of balance in life. It has been widely shared and cited in various forms, appearing on posters, greeting cards, and in other media.

Max Ehrmann, born in 1872, was an attorney and businessman from Indiana. He only gained widespread recognition posthumously for “Desiderata,” as it became a cultural phenomenon and an enduring source of inspiration for many.