The "Desiderata" by Max Ehrmann..

汉英

Background: Around 1970, a manuscript dated 1692 and supposedly "found" in an old church and came into the popular culture. Posters were sold; recitation set to nice background music was repeatedly broadcasted on the radio etc... It was obvious to some people that this was just a "commerical
gag" since the wording on the manuscript was clearly modern
and the idea on it did not looked like a dogmatic religious document that
you would find in a church of the 17th century. In reality, the script was
written by one Max Ehrmann (copyright 1927, the copyright was renewed in 1954 by Bertha K. Ehrmann). Although it was a hoax, the
script was, nevertheless, a nice piece of work. I am leaving it here to share with those who have never seen it before and to invite all of you to play around with translating it.

BTW: There is a spoof of this work called the "Deteriorata". You can find
many copies of that by using any search engine with the word "deteriorata".
The spoof was written in 1972, much of the joke references (such
as Pueblo, Taiwan, cheese for dogs, IBM serviceman) are somewhat dated.

Desiderata

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 aggresive persons; they are vexations
to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others, you may
become bitter or vain,
for always there will be greater and lesser persons
than yourself.
Enjoy your achievments as well as your plans.
Keep interest 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 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.

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