Invocation

DESIDERATA

Anonymous script dated 1692,

Found in St. Paul's Church in Baltimore, MD)

Submitted by Rotarian Voy Sobon

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste,

and remember what peace there might 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 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 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 surrounding

the things of youth. Nurture strength of life

to shield you in sudden misfortune.

But do not distress yourself with imaginings.

Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.

You are the 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 with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams,

it. is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful.

Strive to be happy.