Derangederata

Derangederata

Get away from the noise and the, enjoy some peace and quiet some time.
Greet everyone whose path you cross with a smile and a hearty "Hello!"
If they fail to greet you back, shout a sarcastic "Have a nice day!" at them as they walk away.

Always speak the truth, except in those instances where a good lie will serve you better.
And listen to the words of others, even those you consider stupid, or Republican.
Everyone serves a purpose in this life, and for some this purpose is merely to be a bad example.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons; except in business meetings.
In these situations they can be most helpful in wasting the supervisor's time and drawing his attention away from you,
when you forgot to complete your TPS reports.

If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. But you probably won't be able to prevent yourself from doing this, it's just human nature. So by the time you reach middle age, you will either be a conceited asshole or a bitter malcontent. Such is life.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
But if later on in life you find yourself with few achievements and many unaccomplished plans,
you will realize you were only a misguided cloudy -eyed dreamer, fooling yourself all along.

Keep interested in your career. However boring or distasteful it is, at least it keeps you from living on the street and looking for your next meal from a dumpster.

Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery, and backstabbing coworkers who would love to see you fall. But let not this blind you to what virtue there is: Although it may seem that the world is chock full of greedy, manipulative, uncaring bastards, there are still a few good people left out there trying to buck this trend.

Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. (Ladies: except in bed.)
Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass.
(and the next best thing to a good piece of ass)

Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Don't take up skateboarding at fifty, wear a toupee, or dress yourself in teenage styles to be "cool".
You will merely look pathetic.

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. And if that doesn't work, apply for Welfare.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
The rest are born of the harsh realities of of a cold, cruel world.

You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.
You are stardust, you are golden, and you've got to get yourself back to the garden.
And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
And even if it isn't, there's not a damn thing you can do about it now, is there?

Therefore, be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be.
Better to be at peace with him than at war: No matter which god you believe in,
any one of them could kick you ass in a fight.
(and some might reincarnate you as a goat after they kill you, just for spite)

And whatever your labors and aspiration in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul.
(If you can't keep it there, keep it in a vodka bottle under the kitchen sink.)

I hear babies crying, I watch them grow, they'll learn so much more than I'll ever know, and I say to myself:
With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams: it IS still a wonderful world.

Be careful out there, Give peace a chance, Try to have fun, Keep it in your pants.

- DL, 2005

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Original:

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 aggressive person; they are vexations 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 times.
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 if 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 aspiration 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 careful. Strive to be happy.

- Max Ehrmann, 1927