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181st out of 309 books
—
84 voters
Desiderata: A Poem for a Way of Life (Desiderata #1)
by
Max Ehrmann
With new illustrations on virtually every page and a striking new jacket, this is a Desiderata for the '90s. This classic book of inspiration has sold more than 190,000 copies and continues to give comfort and cheer to new readers year after year. Line drawings.
Hardcover, 48 pages
Published
October 13th 1972
by Crown
(first published 1927)
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Aug 16, 2012
Cathy DuPont
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
Everyone
Unlike many poets, Max Ehrmann's poetry is easily and immediately understandable.
I have had a copy of The Desiderata in my home for many years, a gift from my mother, but was unfamiliar with the poet/philosopher, Ehrmann. He wrote the Desiderata in 1927 and it represents his philosophy which boils down to peace on earth and peace within your soul. Be kind, always. The Desiderata is the first and opening essay or prose poem of a small book of Ehrmann's poetry.
Lovely book, simply lovely. So glad...more
I have had a copy of The Desiderata in my home for many years, a gift from my mother, but was unfamiliar with the poet/philosopher, Ehrmann. He wrote the Desiderata in 1927 and it represents his philosophy which boils down to peace on earth and peace within your soul. Be kind, always. The Desiderata is the first and opening essay or prose poem of a small book of Ehrmann's poetry.
Lovely book, simply lovely. So glad...more
Dec 19, 2007
Suzanne
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
every breathing body
Shelves:
on-my-bookcase
I always think of my mom when I read this. I can hear her voice in my head, "Show mercy, Suzanne." In this world it is hard to show mercy to every fool who cuts you off on the road then flips you the bird, but it does make life easier to live. Being merciful allows me to live my life without feelings of anger and resentment at the strangers' whose stories I don't know; and according to Ehrmann "you have a right to be here."
Knowing other people can see life beyond all the bad in it is an inspirin...more
Knowing other people can see life beyond all the bad in it is an inspirin...more
I first heard about Max Ehrmann's "Desiderata" poem when at I was at a friend's house. We were sharing favorite poetry and she ran upstairs to get a framed poem that was sent to her and her husband when a relative in Norway had passed away. The family said his grandmother read the poem each night before going to bed. As I read the poem I really felt it was truly a timeless piece! While written in 1928- it is just a perfect reminder for kind and thoughtful living!
Favorite passages:
As far as possi...more
Favorite passages:
As far as possi...more
Aug 03, 2009
Books Ring Mah Bell
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
favorites
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 persons, 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. En...more
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 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. En...more
A poem written by, I believe, a young lawyer around the year 1927. A reading recommendation given to me by a friend of mine living in the U.K. who is a convert to my faith. In the poem's simple words, is a basic out-line of the gospel truth. Parts of it come a little short. However still, a very commendable reminder of how one should approach each day of their lives.
Max Ehrmann and Marc Tauss, Desiderata: Words for Life (Scholastic, 2009)
Photographer Tauss takes poet Ehrmann's painfully waterlogged chestnut, which I have to admit I'd never read all the way through, and pairs pieces of it with different photographs. There are times when Tauss is dead-on here, and I have to admit that when I saw the first photograph (an early-morning street scene; no moving cars, but parking spaces at the sides of the road are choked with parked, empty cars) I had high hopes...more
Photographer Tauss takes poet Ehrmann's painfully waterlogged chestnut, which I have to admit I'd never read all the way through, and pairs pieces of it with different photographs. There are times when Tauss is dead-on here, and I have to admit that when I saw the first photograph (an early-morning street scene; no moving cars, but parking spaces at the sides of the road are choked with parked, empty cars) I had high hopes...more
It's a beatiful poem.
I love that the mention of God is inclusive.
"Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be..."
and.... "Be cheerful. Strive to be happy."
Beautiful words. So much better than "love is patient..."
I love that the mention of God is inclusive.
"Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be..."
and.... "Be cheerful. Strive to be happy."
Beautiful words. So much better than "love is patient..."
A nice devotion, though marred by a couple wordings that I personally change anytime I read it. Still, considering it came from the 30s, very inspiring.
This particular edition is illustrated rather a bit too simply for my taste.
This particular edition is illustrated rather a bit too simply for my taste.
Beautiful, inspiring...
"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."
"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."
This is better than any self-help book, any religious advice, anything a therapist could say. Those poems are the best instruction on how to live a good, honest, happy life. Ehrmann was wise way beyond the time he lived in.
This was the perfect chapbook of sentiments for a 16 year-old girl, finding her way slowly in a sea of typical teen angst; a go-to volume of wisdom in my 70s camp counselor world.
This review is just for the famous poem, not the book itself. It's good, uplifting, packed with wisdom. But if you're in a bad spot in your life, it might ring hollow.
I love the Desiderata. I could read it every day. There are some other very good poems in this book, and they all have a calming voice and sweet message.
Hideously sing-song, insufferably dull and much too optimistic for my liking. I almost wish I didn't have to give this a single star at all.
Also own this version. Its amazing how changing the photography can insipre differrent perspectives on the same words. A must own.
Perhaps one of the most beautiful words ever woven by man. I enjoyed reading his musings for it grants me a dose of humility.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
I turn to the simple lines - both the writing and the drawings - when I need to find a calmness in my life.
I was given a copy of this wonderful prose poem by my ex-fiancee a few years ago. I had first discovered it many years before that. It is full of wisdom and good intention, a valuable, if simplistic, moral blueprint that we should all try to live by. As for my ex-fiancee, she was even more wonderful, and remains the most special lady in this universe or any other. I hope this proves that I am living by the Desiderata !! As it says "Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity an...more
No question, my most favorite book, and this is the best version.
"No doubt the universe is unfolding as it should."
Inspiration that stays with you for life!
This is a good graduation gift.
a good quick read to cheer you up.
Aug 27, 2012
Amy
added it
I have this tattooed on my foot!
Lots of love in this book!
A timeless treasure!
Mar 27, 2011
Sylia
added it
i like it
The poem is too idealistic for me. Still beautiful to read.
If I had to replace all self-help books with one book, it'd be this.
You kind of have to be a dreamer to believe it.
Or in denial.
'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.'
Antara buku yang saya baca kelmarin di librari. Gabungan seni kata Ehrmann dan seni foto Tauss yang indah sekali dan saling beresonan. Di belakang buku ini terdapat testimoni dari seorang doktor yang menurutnya beliau banyak menggunakan kata-kata Desiderata di dalam kerja hariannya di klinik. Penutup buku ini bagai mengiyakan tindakan saya menghabisi waktu cuti sakit di librari.
Disyor baca!
Disyor baca!
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Max Ehrmann (September 26, 1872 - September 9, 1945), an attorney from Indiana, was best known for writing the prose poem "Desiderata" (Latin: "things desired as essential") in 1927.
Ehrmann, who was of German descent, received a degree in English from DePauw University, followed by a degree in Philosophy from Harvard University. He then returned to his hometown of Terre Haute, Indiana to practice...more
More about Max Ehrmann...
Ehrmann, who was of German descent, received a degree in English from DePauw University, followed by a degree in Philosophy from Harvard University. He then returned to his hometown of Terre Haute, Indiana to practice...more
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“With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.”
—
822 people liked it
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.”
“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 the dull and ignorant; they too have their story. Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love – for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment is it perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you from 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 labours 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.”
—
633 people liked it
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Aug 16, 2012 09:50am
Aug 16, 2012 10:15am