If you compare yourself to others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

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.

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.

For the entire Desiderata go to Inspirational Poems page

Whether of not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Go Placidly, Amid the noise and Haste & Remember what peace there may be in silence.

May I not forget that poverty and riches are of the spirit. Though the world knows me not, may my thoughts and actions be such as will keep me friendly with myself.

Let me not follow in the clamor of the world, but walk calmly in my path.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.

In the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul.

Every answer I seek lies within me. Any outward seeking for my answers can only take me as far as my inner self permits.

I tried to be good to Judith, I tried to be kind and loving, but our hatred kept coming between us.

Hide the good you do, and make known the good done to you.

Teach [our girls] that there is a race with special needs which they and only they can help; that the world needs and is already asking for their trained, efficient forces.

You can't rely on the fact that people know you. At Glastonbury, when they all knew I was DJing, everyone was cheering even though they'd never heard some of the tracks I was playing before.

Misery is a guest that we are glad to part with, however certain of her speedy return.

The best inheritance a father can leave his children is a good example.

But when you started dating someone, you could never be sure what you were getting into. You had to give someone a chance to show you who he really was . . . and believe him when he did.

I'm not officially a collector, but I have a strange attraction and a weakness for keys and coins. Old keys and interesting coins.

If people with the very best intentions carry on prosecutions that are oppressive, the end may not always perhaps sanctify the means.