Desiderata was written by a relatively unknown American author, Max Ehrmann, in 1927. Later, in 1959, Reverend Frederick Kates of Saint Paul’s Church, Baltimore, included Desiderata in a sermon for his congregation, which eventually spread and became a big hit.
Desiderata contains many pearls of wisdom for living a peaceful and joyous existence upon this planet. In it, the unknown author details a perspective for “keeping peace with your soul” while navigating your way through a challenging world. All useful information.
The popular 1970’s song, written by Wes Crane, is included in the link below. I realize, being from the 70’s, that this music is dated and a little bit cheesy, but I couldn’t resist. It still has a good and powerful vibe, and besides, it’s only a matter of time before it’s back in style again! Here’s to being a happy and fulfilled child of the Universe!
Desiderata
i came across your blog just to look, but i had to leave this comment to say how much i appreciate your work. thanks for the help.
I really like this desiderata, its really inspirational and gives one a subtle life conduct. I think if people live like it says the world will be a better one.
This is really a great masterpiece. I love the content ..
this poem has been my mantra.. principles that guide me through life since high school
Hi
Just wondering, on the last line of the poem it says “Be cheerful” yet in the video it says “Be careful”. Is there a reason behind this subtle change.
Still a great piece tough.
Take Care
Sean.
My grandmother introduced this beautiful poem to me back in the early 70’s I remember where we were when she bought a plaque with Desiderata… I had it in my possession hanging on my wall for years, until a couple years ago, when someone stole many of my things… I love it, It touches the deepest part of my soul… It still is a beautiful world…
We have in our home the same direct speech but is dated 1692. Old St Pauls Church, Baltimore.
Here is a good site that clears up the confusion surrounding the 1692 date of Desiderata. It also addresses the change in the words, “careful” to “cheerful” at the end of the writing.
http://www.fleurdelis.com/desidera.htm
Beautiful……i have forgotten the poem….thank you for making it new again.
This is beautiful. I think it was around 1972 or so after my boyfriend an American Indian that served in Viet Nam in 1965,66,67 only to get shot & killed by a neighbor in 1971 that I was given this poem and Children Learn what they Live & I put in his casket the book The Profit by Kahil Gibran. I have his daughter and a son and grandchildren, and I want to share it with the world. Thank you! 🙂
Peace & Love,
Charity Luv
Aaaah, Desiderata is still the best motivation for me. It humbles me a lot. We need to distribute it to our high schools the world over. thanks.
I woke up morose and down today; and I did not want to talk to any one. I wanted some kind of a voice to talk to my feelings and make me feel better. I eventually remembered the poem, ‘Desiderata’. I searched it and found it on this site. What a wonderful poem to read or even listen to in a song form. I am now going to bed this evening with a good feeling knowing that “I am a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars. I have a right to be here.” What a soothing, beautiful, and humble piece of the arts.
This poem was introduce to me while at High School at St Paul that it has a great meaning for me it motivated me very muchl.I went to tertiary because of this poem even today the meaning it has is still exitsl. Its so great I wish evrybody in the world reads it.THIS WORLD WILL BE A BETTER PLACE.
Still a beautiful piece of wisdom after all these years. I first read Desiderata in a music book while I was learning the guitar back in 1976. With the aid of Google I have found how the mistake was made when the original reading mentioned “found in a church in Baltimore.”
Peace and love to this troubled world.
Most beautiful poem I’ve ever read ! At the time of my death I hope to listen to the song you kindly put on line.
THANK YOU !
That is a masterpiece that will stand the test of time. Always relevant.
Yes I would just like to say that I have a very old Desiderata and at the end it says be careful not be cheerful and it also says author unknown found in St. Paul’s church 1692