It's not. Frodo shared this in the thread you brought up and put a smiley face on:
The actual story of the poem is even more interesting:
"Desiderata (Latin: "desired things") is a 1927 prose poem by American writer Max Ehrmann (18721945).[1] Largely unknown in the author's lifetime, the text became widely known after its use in a devotional, after subsequently being found at Adlai Stevenson's deathbed in 1965, and after spoken-word recordings in 1971 and 1972.
<snip>
Some time around 1959, the Reverend Frederick Kates, rector of Saint Paul's Church in Baltimore, Maryland, included Desiderata in a compilation of devotional materials for his congregation. .
When Adlai Stevenson died in 1965, a guest in his home found the Desiderata near his bedside and discovered that Stevenson had planned to use it in his Christmas cards. The text was widely distributed in poster form. Calling it Spock Thoughts, Leonard Nimoy recited the poem on his 1967 album, Leonard Nimoy Presents Mr. Spocks Music from Outer Space. His rendition is not the only one to change the 2nd to last sentence from Be Cheerful to Be Careful. In late 1971 and early 1972, Les Crane's spoken-word recording of Desiderata peaked at #8 on the Billboard chart, #4 on the Canadian RPM Magazine chart, and #6 on the UK Melody Maker'schart.
- From wiki.
Can't keep a good piece of universal truth down. It just needed to be heard, no matter what obsticles were in its way, so I figured I should do my part in helping it on its journey.
Welcome Michele, ... I left you a message on the 'white board' ... but you may just want to 'copy/paste' this to a printable copy device:
Desiderata 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 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 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 critical 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 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.
The Disiderata is very strong as a pattern for living. Learning and Following it's tenants will (for me) put your life on a smooth and powerful track. Also for me it has kept the idea (along with the program) that alcohol can be a part of my life as a distant thought. This works and I am grateful for it. (((hugs)))
