For the entire Desiderata go to Inspirational Poems page

- Max Ehrmann

Let me not follow in the clamor of the world, but walk calmly in my path.

- Max Ehrmann

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

- Max Ehrmann

Whatever else you do or forbear, impose upon yourself the task of happiness; and now and then abandon yourself to the joy of laughter. And however mu…

- Max Ehrmann

In the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul.

- Max Ehrmann

And though age and infirmity overtake me, and I come not within sight of the castle of my dreams, teach me still to be thankful for life, and for tim…

- Max Ehrmann

And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, …

- Max Ehrmann

And though behind you lies a road of dust and heat and discouragement, and before you the challenge and uncertainty of untried paths, in this brief h…

- Max Ehrmann

If you compare yourself to others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

- Max Ehrmann