03:15

Desiderata By Max Ehrmann

by Andrew Johnson

Rated
4.9
Type
talks
Activity
Meditation
Suitable for
Everyone
Plays
51.2k

Desiderata was written by Max Ehrmann in the early 1920s. It is recognised as one of the most popular motivational/positive poems of the last century. At only three minutes long, it’s a short listen, but the messages contained within are timeless and worth repetition.

PeaceAcceptanceCompassionResilienceGratitudeAuthenticityMindfulnessBelongingInner PeaceSelf AcceptanceMindful LivingSense Of BelongingMotivationPoemsPositivity

Transcript

Desiderata by Max Ehrman 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.

Take 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 vexatious 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 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 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 labours 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.

Believe to be happy.

Meet your Teacher

Andrew JohnsonEdinburgh, United Kingdom

4.9 (3 501)

Recent Reviews

Tricia

February 10, 2026

My favorite poem read so beautifully. I love your voice. It is comforting and soothing, like a warm blanket. Thank you 💫

Janna

January 10, 2026

Beautiful reminder of one of my favourite poems. Thank you.

Catherine

November 12, 2025

Thank you again for this reminder to stay focused on the positive

Marisa

September 10, 2025

Thank you Andrew, that was lovely. Such a beautiful piece. My Nan had a clipping of this desiderata so it holds extra sentimental value as well 💜

Denise

August 13, 2025

Read so well.. always such a beautiful poem.. ❤🕊🙏😊🌟

Cali

April 18, 2025

This was my foundation growing up in Argentina. I had a poster above my bed so I could see it every day. It formed me as the person I am now.

Catt

March 11, 2025

An ageless ode to life. Desiderata really is full of wisdom. Thankyou for narrating so beautifully ✨🙏🏼🌻

Olga

February 22, 2025

No words rang truer than now. So needed to hear them today. Love your voice, so calming and healing. Thank you for sharing your gifts.

Irene

November 11, 2024

Very grounding, peaceful. Good to hear every once in a while. Thank you.

Annie

October 14, 2024

At one point during my school years, we were tasked with memorizing Desiderata. I no longer remember the poem by heart but truly needed to listen to these words today. The teacher who had us memorize those words so long ago was doing her best to guide us into being our finest selves and leaving a positive mark on the world. Thank you, Andrew, for reminding me what to do in these difficult times.

Jane

August 26, 2024

Thank you for sharing this poem. Your reading of it is beautiful, a great way to start the day. 🙏☮️

Jen

August 20, 2024

This is the first time I have listened and heard this poem♥️ It is beautiful and whole. Thank you for sharing this 🙏 Many blessings Namaste💫

Willemijn

July 14, 2024

Oh yes, what a magnificent beautiful 'reminder', & beautifully read, thank you 💫♥️🙏🙏🙏

Margaret

May 15, 2024

Thank you for this splendid reminder of the eternal wisdom of the Desiderata . Namaste

Catherine

May 7, 2024

Perfect reminder of what matters and read exquisitely.

Rebecca

February 26, 2024

How simple and true. How impossible to achieve but always worth the attempt. Thank you for sharing that.

Paula

July 9, 2023

Beautiful. I will return to its Inspiring words. Thank you. 💖 🙏

Laura

June 28, 2023

This may be one of the greatest poems of all time.

California

June 12, 2023

Your voice, Andrew, could make a reading of the phone book wonderful.

Michele

May 30, 2023

I look forward to listening to this as part of my daily practice. Such a pleasure to experience your voice. Thank you.

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© 2026 Andrew Johnson. All rights reserved. All copyright in this work remains with the original creator. No part of this material may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the copyright owner.

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