I recall the first time I read the prose poem, Desiderata. I was 15 when I came across a poster with the words of Desiderata written in calligraphy. That moment left a lasting impression on me. It was the time of the hippie subculture, also known as the flower people. I wore granny glasses, a floppy felt hat (I wish I still had that hat) and dressed in long flowing garments like bell bottoms and peasant skirts,

The emphasis on kindness, authenticity, and inner peace aligned with the values and ideals embraced during that era. The poem’s universal message of hope and guidance for navigating life’s challenges, as well as its reflection on how to live a fulfilling and meaningful life, captured the spirit of the hippy movement.

I had no idea that Desiderata was written, in 1927, by the American writer Max Ehrmann. How could someone from the early 1900’s understand the cultural transformations that were occurring during my time.

Beacon Hill Park (Rebecca Budd Archives March 2024)

Universal Ideals Transcend Time

The enduring appeal of timeless wisdom and universal ideals lies in their ability to transcend the constraints of time. Whether it is the emphasis on kindness, authenticity, and inner peace in Max Ehrmann’s “Desiderata” or other guiding principles, these concepts continue to resonate across generations, offering guidance and inspiration to individuals navigating life’s complexities. The capacity of universal ideals to remain relevant and influential speaks to their profound impact on human experiences, regardless of the era in which they are embraced.

Who Was Max Ehrmann?

Max Ehrmann was born on September 16, 1872, in Terre Haute, Indiana, to German immigrant parents. After graduating from DePauw University in Greencastle in 1894, he pursued further studies in law and philosophy at Harvard University. Returning to Terre Haute, Ehrmann established a successful law practice.

Beacon Hill Park (Rebecca Budd Archives March 2024)

At the same time, Max Ehrmann dedicated himself wholeheartedly to his literary endeavors. While his collection encompasses numerous poems, his most renowned work was “Desiderata”,

Max Ehrmann’s intention was to share a universal message of hope, reflecting on how to live a fulfilling and meaningful life. This uplifting and inspirational piece continues to be widely circulated and cherished, reflecting its enduring significance in providing comfort and guidance to individuals across generations.

The Desiderata Story

The history of “Desiderata” is intriguing, shrouded in the mist of mistaken authorship and historical intertwining. It is often erroneously attributed to an anonymous author from the 17th century and connected to Old Saint Paul’s Church in Baltimore, founded in 1692. This fusion of the prose poem with the church’s history, propagated by the Rev. Frederick Ward Kates during his rectorship from 1956 to 1961, has perpetuated the confusion surrounding its origins.

Notably, this confusion persisted even after the death of Adlai Stevenson in 1965, when a copy of “Desiderata” was discovered by his bedside, intended for use in his personal Christmas cards. He too attributed the poem to an unknown 17th-century author, further solidifying the misconception.

The intricate entanglement of “Desiderata” with historical figures and places exemplifies the enduring mystery and allure of this timeless piece, transcending its attributed origins to touch the lives of individuals across generations. Such a legacy of enigma only serves to enhance the profound impact and universal relevance of “Desiderata” in offering solace, guidance, and inspiration to countless individuals.

Check out the article in Poetry Foundation, In Search of “Desiderata” for more on this prose poem’s legacy.

Beacon Hill Park (Rebecca Budd Archives March 2024)

Desiderata by 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 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 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 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.

https://clanmother.com/2024/06/16/you-are-a-child-of-the-universe/

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