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.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes our inherent value and connection to the universe, asserting that everyone has a rightful place and purpose.
Max Ehrmann's quote reflects the profound interconnectedness of all life and the natural world. It conveys a reassuring message that every individual, like the trees and stars, has a significant role in the universe's grand design. The mention of the universe unfolding 'as it should' suggests a trust in the natural order of events and encourages a sense of belonging and acceptance of one's existence.
In practice
This quote can be shared at a graduation ceremony to inspire students entering the world.
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. _x000D_ _x000D_ 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.
And whatever your labors and aspirations, _x000D_ in the noisy confusion of life, _x000D_ keep peace in your soul. _x000D_ With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
May I not forget that poverty and riches are of the spirit. Though the world knows me not, may my thoughts and actions be such as will keep me friendly with myself.
Wishing you happiness always! Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. . . . . 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.
Go Placidly, Amid the noise and Haste & Remember what peace there may be in silence.
I am an unwilling devil. I cry like some vagrant child. I want to go home.
Many things about our bodies would not seem to us so filthy and obscene if we did not have the idea of nobility in our heads.
If you wish to upset the law that all crows are black, you mustn't seek to show that no crows are; it is enough if you prove one single crow to be white.
I think of the security of cages. How violence, cruelty, oppression, become a kind of home, a familiar pattern, a cage, in which we know how to operate and define ourselves.
By medicine life may be prolonged, yet death will seize the doctor too.
The masters of information have forgotten about poetry, where words may have a meaning quite different from what the lexicon says, where the metaphoric spark is always one jump ahead of the decoding function, where another, unforeseen reading is always possible.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.