What are the values underscored in the poem Desiderata? How can these
values improve human life?
Answers
Answer:
It was in 2013, during our Speech Communication class, when I first encountered the wonderful work of Max Ehrmann called Desiderata. It is an English poem, though it's title is in Latin which literally means "desired things." I personally believe this 8-stanza poem is the best eye-opener for everyone to see life in its brightest side. Each stanza is overflowing with hope, motivation and lessons. Each gives us pieces of advice to live in peace and in harmony. This poem impacted my life so much and I want to share the great lessons that we can learn from the poem.
Explanation:
We love ourselves so much that sometimes we forget to show compassion to others. We always want to be heard but we don't want to listen.
Go placidly amid the noise and 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 the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Loud and noisy people distract us from following our hearts. Stay away from them. Everyone of us has different talents and capabilities. Stop comparing yourself to others. Instead of dwelling on your inadequacies, enjoy your achievements in life.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations 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.
Being passionate exhibits the hunger for new knowledge and continuous learning. But you need to stay humble at the same time. Sometimes, the more passionate we become at work, the more we tend to be arrogant and we think we know every thing.
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.
Don't pretend to be somebody you are not. Be yourself. In this world full of pessimism and hatred, all we can do is to love one another. And as we start loving others, we will start experience the same love in return.
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.
In life, we'll encounter so many challenges. We'll fall so many times. We'll commit numerous mistakes. But it's important for us to realize that these make us even stronger.
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.