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Desiderata

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 agressive persons, they are vexations 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 of fortunes of time.  Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery.  But let not this 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 cynical about love about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is perennial as the grass.  Take kindly the counsel off 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 wholesome discipline be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the Universe, no less 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 a peace with God, whatever you may conceive him to be; and whatever your labours and aspirations in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace with your soul; with all it’s sham and drudgery and broken dreams; it is still a beautiful world.  Be careful; strive to be happy.

-found in Old Saint Pauls Church, Baltimore; Dated 1692