lee

Go placidly amid the noise and 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 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.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career, however humble, it's 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.

---Max Ehrmann, 1927

gene

But I like this one


Deteriorata

Go placidly
Amid the noise and waste.
And remember what comfort there may be
In owning a piece thereof.

Avoid quiet and passive persons
Unless you are in need of sleep.

Rotate your tires.

Speak glowingly of those greater than yourself
And heed well their advice,
Even though they be turkeys.

Know what to kiss.....and when!

Consider that two wrongs never make a right
But that THREE.........do.

Wherever possible, put people on hold.

Be comforted that in the face of all aridity and disillusionment
And despite the changing fortunes of time,
There is always a big future in computer maintenance.

Chorus

You are a fluke
Of the universe.
You have no right to be here.
And whether you can hear it or not
The universe is laughing behind your back.

Remember the Pueblo.

Strive at all times to bend, fold, spindle and mutilate.

Know yourself.
If you need help, call the FBI.

Exercise caution in your daily affairs,
Especially with those persons closest to you.
That lemon on your left, for instance.

Be assured that a walk through the ocean of most souls
Would scarcely get your feet wet.

Fall not in love therefore;
It will stick to your face.

Gracefully surrender the things of youth:
The birds, clean air, tuna, Taiwan
And let not the sands of time
Get in your lunch.

Hire people with hooks.

For a good time call 606-4311;
Ask for "Ken."

Take heart amid the deepening gloom
That your dog is finally getting enough cheese.

And reflect that whatever misfortune may be your lot
It could only be worse in Milwaukee.


Chorus

You are a fluke
Of the universe.
You have no right to be here.
And whether you can hear it or not
The universe is laughing behind your back.

Therefore, make peace with your god
Whatever you conceive him to be---
Hairy thunderer, or cosmic muffin.

With all its hopes, dreams, promises and urban renewal
The world continues to deteriorate.

GIVE UP!

lee

YOU must have a 1st cousin on the other group I posted too 'cause he also
posted the same funny spoof. It's a good spoof. Cheers!

doug laidlaw

All very good advice. I believe that if we could observe these rules, most
of the attitude- caused depression would disappear.

Doug.
--
ICQ Number 178748389. Registered Linux User No. 277548.
Never believe anything in politics until it has been officially denied.
--Otto von Bismarck, German Chancellor.

doug laidlaw

Yes, there were several when "Desiderata" was popular. I didn't read that
one at the time. My other favourite is the "Salutation to the Dawn":

"Look to this day,
For it is life, the very life of life.
In its brief course
Lie all the verities and realities of your existence.
(etc)."

I use those last 2 lines as a sig,

I got it from a Dale Carnegie book. Living one day at a time was his first
rule. I saw it in a poster shop, but couldn't get it later, so I made my
own.

Doug.
--
ICQ Number 178748389. Registered Linux User No. 277548.
By all means marry. If you get a good spouse, you will be happy. If you
don't, you will become a philosopher.
- Socrates.
(I wonder what that says about Socrates' opinion of his own wife. He was
married when he died. As they say, she must have had a lot to put up
with.)

gene

Thanks Lee, in no way to I really agree with the latter, but I NEED
humor for my own health and it's all meant in fun.

lee

You're welcome, Gene, I *knew* it was in fun.

jon g.

Max is right that we "have a right to be here." I never looked
at it that way. Thanks for sharing.

Jon