FASD — 2001 Alumni Archives

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 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.
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 aridity and disenchantment
it is 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 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 careful. Strive to be happy.

Max Ehrmann
1927