To perpetuate it once and for all…
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 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 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 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 imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of this 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 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.
I know this one… where did you find it? It’s very positive, though not omitting the ugly. True the summary, though not consistent with Freud, who said that human beings were not meant to be happy. But it’s a beautiful world, yes!
— Malte · Apr 10, 04:17 AM · #
S. gave it to me some weeks ago when I was in BN. I did not copy and paste it from the web but wrote word for word, letter for letter down here because I wanted to feel the effect of writing it down by myself. And it IS a difference!
— hannah · Apr 10, 12:51 PM · #