Desiderata
Welcome to our comprehensive resource on Desiderata, a prose poem penned by Max Ehrmann. Apart from the poem in its original form, we've also answered many wide ranging questions relating to Desiderata, that people, like yourself, are searching for.
From the meaning of the word, the original text, the meaning of the poem, its moral message, to the legend surrounding it, and where you can acquire a stunning Desiderata poster print (paper, canvas, framed), amongst a myriad other questions.
We hope you find it useful.
We hope you find it useful.
Meanwhile you can view all our typographic Desiderata prints, posters and framed wall artworks here.
Image: Close up of our Desiderata poem typography poster 11, with the word 'Desiderata' made out of plants.
INDEX:
What does the word 'Desiderata' mean?
What is the original - Desiderata poem text?
What does 'go placidly amid the noise and haste' mean?
What is the - Desiderata poem meaning? (In detail)
Who was Max Ehrmann?
What is the legend surrounding Desiderata?
Who did Max Ehrmann compose Desiderata for?
What is the main idea of Desiderata?
What is the moral lesson of the Desiderata?
Why is Desiderata so famous?
What is the conclusion of Desiderata?
Why is Desiderata so famous?
What is the conclusion of Desiderata?
Where can I buy a stunning Desiderata poster, print, framed, wall artwork?
WHAT DOES THE WORD 'DESIDERATA' MEAN?
Latin for "things desired". The Merriam Webster dictionary describes desideratum (noun) - something desired as essential.
Image: Desiderata as an illustrated book with elegant minimalist drawings by Emil Antonucci.
WHAT IS THE ORIGINAL - DESIDERATA POEM TEXT?
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 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 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 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 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.
Image: Close up of the first paragraph of our Desiderata typography poster 11. Click here to see the entire artwork.
WHAT DOES 'GO PLACIDLY AMID THE NOISE AND HASTE' MEAN?
It means to remain calm and composed in the midst of life's chaos and rush.
The phrase encourages one to navigate through the hustle and bustle of life with a serene and untroubled attitude, finding stillness and balance even when surrounded by noise and haste.
Image: Close up of our DESIDERATA POEM TYPOGRAPHY POSTER 7. Click here to see the entire poster.
WHAT IS THE - DESIDERATA POEM MEANING? (IN DETAIL)
"Desiderata," written by Max Ehrmann, is a prose poem that offers a collection of ethical guidelines and reflections on how to live a peaceful, meaningful, and fulfilling life.
Here is a breakdown of its meaning, sentence by sentence:
"Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence."
Stay calm and serene even in a chaotic world. Value and find peace in quiet moments.
"As far as possible without surrender, be on good terms with all persons."
Strive for harmonious relationships without compromising your principles.
"Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story."
Communicate honestly and clearly, and be open to hearing others' perspectives.
"Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit."
Stay away from people who bring negative energy and disturb your peace.
"If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself."
Avoid comparisons, as they can lead to feelings of superiority or inferiority.
"Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans."
Take pride in your accomplishments and also find joy in your aspirations.
"Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time."
Value your work and personal progress, regardless of its scale, as it is a stable aspect of your life.
"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 prudent in your dealings but remain aware of the good and noble efforts of others.
"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."
Stay true to who you are, be genuine in your emotions, and maintain faith in love's enduring nature.
"Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth."
Embrace aging with wisdom and let go of youthful ways with grace.
"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."
Build inner strength to cope with unexpected hardships, and avoid dwelling on unnecessary fears.
"Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself."
While maintaining self-discipline, also practice self-compassion.
"You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here."
Recognize your inherent worth and rightful place in the universe.
"And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should."
Trust in the natural order and unfolding of the universe, even if it isn't always clear.
"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."
Find peace with your spirituality and maintain inner tranquility amid life's chaos.
"With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy."
Despite life's imperfections and challenges, appreciate its beauty and strive for happiness and cheerfulness.
Overall, "Desiderata" encourages living with peace, integrity, and a positive outlook, emphasising the importance of self-respect, empathy, and acceptance of life's imperfections.
WHAT IS THE - DESIDERATA POEM MEANING? (IN DETAIL)
"Desiderata," written by Max Ehrmann, is a prose poem that offers a collection of ethical guidelines and reflections on how to live a peaceful, meaningful, and fulfilling life.
Here is a breakdown of its meaning, sentence by sentence:
"Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence."
Stay calm and serene even in a chaotic world. Value and find peace in quiet moments.
"As far as possible without surrender, be on good terms with all persons."
Strive for harmonious relationships without compromising your principles.
"Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story."
Communicate honestly and clearly, and be open to hearing others' perspectives.
"Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit."
Stay away from people who bring negative energy and disturb your peace.
"If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself."
Avoid comparisons, as they can lead to feelings of superiority or inferiority.
"Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans."
Take pride in your accomplishments and also find joy in your aspirations.
"Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time."
Value your work and personal progress, regardless of its scale, as it is a stable aspect of your life.
"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 prudent in your dealings but remain aware of the good and noble efforts of others.
"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."
Stay true to who you are, be genuine in your emotions, and maintain faith in love's enduring nature.
"Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth."
Embrace aging with wisdom and let go of youthful ways with grace.
"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."
Build inner strength to cope with unexpected hardships, and avoid dwelling on unnecessary fears.
"Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself."
While maintaining self-discipline, also practice self-compassion.
"You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here."
Recognize your inherent worth and rightful place in the universe.
"And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should."
Trust in the natural order and unfolding of the universe, even if it isn't always clear.
"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."
Find peace with your spirituality and maintain inner tranquility amid life's chaos.
"With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy."
Despite life's imperfections and challenges, appreciate its beauty and strive for happiness and cheerfulness.
Overall, "Desiderata" encourages living with peace, integrity, and a positive outlook, emphasising the importance of self-respect, empathy, and acceptance of life's imperfections.
Image: Typographic Desiderata poster from the Gutenberg online shop Germany.
WHO WAS MAX EHRMANN?
Max Ehrmann was an American writer, poet, and attorney of German descent, from Terre Haute, Indiana. Born on September 26, 1872, he is best known for his prose poem "Desiderata," which he wrote in 1927.
Ehrmann studied at DePauw University and later at Harvard, where he pursued philosophy and law. He practiced law and worked in his family's meatpacking business before dedicating himself full-time to writing. His work often reflected his interest in spirituality, humanism, and the pursuit of happiness.
He passed away on September 9, 1945, but his legacy endures through "Desiderata" and his other literary contributions.
WHO WAS MAX EHRMANN?
Max Ehrmann was an American writer, poet, and attorney of German descent, from Terre Haute, Indiana. Born on September 26, 1872, he is best known for his prose poem "Desiderata," which he wrote in 1927.
Ehrmann studied at DePauw University and later at Harvard, where he pursued philosophy and law. He practiced law and worked in his family's meatpacking business before dedicating himself full-time to writing. His work often reflected his interest in spirituality, humanism, and the pursuit of happiness.
He passed away on September 9, 1945, but his legacy endures through "Desiderata" and his other literary contributions.
Image: Inside cover of an early edition of The Poems of Max Ehrmann. In 1948, three years after his death, Ehrmann’s widow Bertha had "Desiderata," included along with other works, in later editions of The Poems of Max Ehrmann.
WHAT IS THE LEGEND SURROUNDING DESIDERATA?
For a long time, there was a legend that the poem had been discovered on an old piece of parchment in St. Paul's Church in Baltimore, believed to date back to the late 1600s. However, this was not true. "Desiderata" , it was concluded, was actually written around 1927 by Max Ehrmann, a lawyer turned writer and poet from Indiana, where he was also known as the Poet Laureate of Terre Haute.
Image: Page from the Desiderata Emil Antonucci book clarifying who the actual author was.
WHO DID MAX EHRMANN COMPOSE DESIDERATA FOR?
There are two versions:
1) He penned it to inspire himself, “because it counsels those virtues I felt most in need of.”
2) "Desiderata" was a reflection of his own philosophical beliefs, to offer guidance on living a happy and fulfilling life. It wasn't written for any specific individual but rather intended to provide general wisdom and inspiration for anyone who read it.
Either way the poem's timeless advice and universal themes have resonated with many people, contributing to its enduring popularity, even to this day.
WHAT IS THE MAIN IDEA BEHIND DESIDERATA?
The poem's main purpose is to offer guidance on leading a peaceful, fulfilling, and meaningful life.
The poem emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive and calm demeanor, being kind and respectful to others, and finding contentment within oneself. It advises readers to avoid being cynical, to strive for personal happiness, to be honest and humble, and to maintain a balance between ambition and peace.
The overarching message is one of finding serenity and harmony in a sometimes chaotic world.
WHAT IS THE MORAL LESSON OF DESIDERATA?
The poem's moral lesson is to live a life of inner peace and contentment by embracing kindness, humility, and authenticity.
It encourages individuals to be gentle with themselves and others, to avoid negativity and conflict, and to appreciate the beauty and simplicity of life.
The poem advocates a balanced approach to living—pursuing goals and dreams without being consumed by them, maintaining a calm and positive outlook, and nurturing a sense of serenity amid life's challenges.
It's essence - lead a life guided by wisdom, compassion, and tranquility.
WHY IS DESIDERATA SO FAMOUS?
It is famous for several reasons:
Timeless Wisdom: The poem offers timeless advice on how to live a meaningful and fulfilling life. Its universal themes of peace, kindness, and contentment resonate with people of all ages and backgrounds.
Inspirational Message: "Desiderata" provides encouragement and guidance, helping readers find serenity and balance in a chaotic world. Its positive and uplifting message has a broad appeal.
Elegant Language: The poem is written in a simple yet eloquent style, making its profound insights accessible and memorable.
Cultural Impact: Over the years, "Desiderata" has been widely circulated and quoted in various forms of media, including books, posters, and music. This widespread dissemination has contributed to its enduring popularity.
Misattributions and Mystique: The poem gained additional attention due to the legend that it was found in St. Paul's Church and dated back to the 1600s, adding a sense of mystique and historical intrigue, even though it was actually written by Max Ehrmann in 1927.
WHO DID MAX EHRMANN COMPOSE DESIDERATA FOR?
There are two versions:
1) He penned it to inspire himself, “because it counsels those virtues I felt most in need of.”
2) "Desiderata" was a reflection of his own philosophical beliefs, to offer guidance on living a happy and fulfilling life. It wasn't written for any specific individual but rather intended to provide general wisdom and inspiration for anyone who read it.
Either way the poem's timeless advice and universal themes have resonated with many people, contributing to its enduring popularity, even to this day.
WHAT IS THE MAIN IDEA BEHIND DESIDERATA?
The poem's main purpose is to offer guidance on leading a peaceful, fulfilling, and meaningful life.
The poem emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive and calm demeanor, being kind and respectful to others, and finding contentment within oneself. It advises readers to avoid being cynical, to strive for personal happiness, to be honest and humble, and to maintain a balance between ambition and peace.
The overarching message is one of finding serenity and harmony in a sometimes chaotic world.
WHAT IS THE MORAL LESSON OF DESIDERATA?
The poem's moral lesson is to live a life of inner peace and contentment by embracing kindness, humility, and authenticity.
It encourages individuals to be gentle with themselves and others, to avoid negativity and conflict, and to appreciate the beauty and simplicity of life.
The poem advocates a balanced approach to living—pursuing goals and dreams without being consumed by them, maintaining a calm and positive outlook, and nurturing a sense of serenity amid life's challenges.
It's essence - lead a life guided by wisdom, compassion, and tranquility.
WHY IS DESIDERATA SO FAMOUS?
It is famous for several reasons:
Timeless Wisdom: The poem offers timeless advice on how to live a meaningful and fulfilling life. Its universal themes of peace, kindness, and contentment resonate with people of all ages and backgrounds.
Inspirational Message: "Desiderata" provides encouragement and guidance, helping readers find serenity and balance in a chaotic world. Its positive and uplifting message has a broad appeal.
Elegant Language: The poem is written in a simple yet eloquent style, making its profound insights accessible and memorable.
Cultural Impact: Over the years, "Desiderata" has been widely circulated and quoted in various forms of media, including books, posters, and music. This widespread dissemination has contributed to its enduring popularity.
Misattributions and Mystique: The poem gained additional attention due to the legend that it was found in St. Paul's Church and dated back to the 1600s, adding a sense of mystique and historical intrigue, even though it was actually written by Max Ehrmann in 1927.
ALSO READ:
Here's an excellent article which explains Desiderata's continuing fame through a cultural lens...
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/articles/70274/in-search-of-desiderata
WHAT IS THE CONCLUSION OF DESIDERATA?
The conclusion of "Desiderata" emphasises the importance of finding inner peace and maintaining faith in oneself and the universe. It ends with these lines:
"With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy."
These final thoughts encapsulate the poem's overarching message: despite the imperfections and hardships of life, the world remains beautiful, and it is essential to remain optimistic and strive for happiness. The conclusion reinforces the idea that a positive outlook and a commitment to personal well-being are crucial for a fulfilling life.
WHAT IS THE CONCLUSION OF DESIDERATA?
The conclusion of "Desiderata" emphasises the importance of finding inner peace and maintaining faith in oneself and the universe. It ends with these lines:
"With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy."
These final thoughts encapsulate the poem's overarching message: despite the imperfections and hardships of life, the world remains beautiful, and it is essential to remain optimistic and strive for happiness. The conclusion reinforces the idea that a positive outlook and a commitment to personal well-being are crucial for a fulfilling life.
Images above: Various pages from the illustrated Desiderata book by Emil Antonucci, including the beginning and ending of Desiderata.
WHERE CAN I BUY A STUNNING DESIDERATA POSTER, PRINT, FRAMED, WALL ART?
WHERE CAN I BUY A STUNNING DESIDERATA POSTER, PRINT, FRAMED, WALL ART?
Image: Desiderata prints, poster, framed, wall art collection from Posterama.co
You can order or gift our typographic Desiderata prints, posters and framed wall art works here
