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Desiderata


Copyright 1952 Max Ehrmann

   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 vexation to the spirit

   If you compare yourself to 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 own career; however
   humble, it is a real possession in the
   changing fortune 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
   deals; 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 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 shame, drudgery and broken
   dreams, it is still a beautiful world

   Go carefully and strive to be happy.
 

Deteriorata

from National Lampoon

Go placidly amid the noise and waste,
And remember what comfort there may be in owning a piece thereof.
Avoid quiet and passive persons, unless you are in need of sleep.
Rotate your tires.
Speak glowingly of those greater than yourself,
And heed well their advice, even though they be turkeys.
Know what to kiss, and when.
Consider that two wrongs never make a right, but that three do.
Wherever possible, put people on hold.
Be comforted that in the face of all aridity and disillusionment,
and despite the changing fortunes of time,
There is always a big future in computer maintenance.
Remember The Pueblo.
Strive at all times to bend, fold, spindle, and mutilate.
Know yourself. If you need help, call the FBI.
Exercise caution in your daily affairs,
Especially with those persons closest to you -
That lemon on your left, for instance.
Be assured that a walk through the ocean of most souls
Would scarcely get your feet wet.
Fall not in love therefore. It will stick to your face.
Gracefully surrender the things of youth: birds, clean air, tuna, Taiwan.
And let not the sands of time get in your lunch.
Hire people with hooks.
For a good time, call 606-4311. Ask for Ken.
Take heart in the bedeepening gloom
That your dog is finally getting enough cheese.
And reflect that whatever fortune may be your lot,
It could only be worse in Milwaukee.
You are a fluke of the universe.
You have no right to be here.
And whether you can hear it or not,
The universe is laughing behind your back.
Therefore, make peace with your god,
Whatever you perceive him to be - hairy thunderer, or cosmic muffin.
With all its hopes, dreams, promises, and urban renewal,
The world continues to deteriorate.
Give up!



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