Sunday, September 24, 2017

Spock Thoughts | Desiderata

Although I do not consume The News -- that is, the constantly changing, buzzing noise of whatever it is people are excited about for the present day and a half, soon to be abruptly replaced by something else --  occasionally it intrudes. On such occasions -- when my attempt to learn more about something of real importance, like the disasters in Mexico and Puerto Rico is intruded on by chatter about one overpaid lunatic exchanging tweets with another -- I find it useful to remember a prose poem I encountered some years ago through the unlikely venue of Leonard Nimoy's "Spock" cd.   I've posted this before, but it bears repeating.




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. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or 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 in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

Desiderata by Max Ehrmann. The recording changes "cheerful" to "careful", because it would be odd for Spock to admonish us to be emotional.

6 comments:

  1. Excellent poem. One of my favourites.

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    1. I knew for certain I'd posted this before because I distinctly remembered your liking it!

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  2. I've read parts of these elsewhere but never realized they were all one poem. Thanks for posting this and bringing it to my attention.

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    1. My pleasure...I needed to hear it a few times last night.

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  3. This is great verse. It contains some very good advice. In this day and age it is certainly a virtue to "Go placidly."

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  4. wonderful verse... it's a lot like some of the mindfulness mantras... tx Stephen: good to hear a little sanity at anytime...

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