Max Ehrmann

beautiful world sham drudgery cheerful happy

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

― Max Ehrmann (1872-1945)

child universe right tree starunfolding

"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."

― Max Ehrmann (1872-1945)

behind road dust disencouragement challenge uncertainty

"And though behind you lies a road of dust and heat and discouragement, and before you the challenge and uncertainty of untried paths, in this brief hour you are master of all highways, and the universe nestles in your soul."

― Max Ehrmann (1872-1945)

age infirmity castle dream thankful olden memories

"And though age and infirmity overtake me, and I come not within sight of the castle of my dreams, teach me still to be thankful for life, and for time's olden memories that are good and sweet; and may the evening's twilight find me gentle still."

― Max Ehrmann (1872-1945)

clamor world walk calmly path

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

― Max Ehrmann (1872-1945)

compare others vain bitter person greater lesser

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

― Max Ehrmann (1872-1945)

placidly noise haste remember peace silence

"Go Placidly, Amid the noise and haste and remember what peace there may be in silence..."

― Max Ehrmann (1872-1945)

poverty riches spirit thought action friendly myself

"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."

― Max Ehrmann (1872-1945)

noisy confusion life peace soul

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

― Max Ehrmann (1872-1945)

counsel years age old graceful surrender youth

"Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth."

― Max Ehrmann (1872-1945)

nurture strength spirit shield misfortune fear fatigue lonelines

"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."

― Max Ehrmann (1872-1945)