Desiderata

Desiderata, the plural for “desideratum” which means “something to be desired or wanted.” Years ago I came across a piece by Max Ehrman titled “Desiderata.” There is a perfection about that piece. Brief and yet packs in a tremendous amount of practical wisdom. Its simple words have the depth to provide perspective to life’s joys, sorrows, trials and tribulations. I have yet to come across any situation that could not have been referred to the piece without insight.

My favorite lines from it: “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.”

That expresses the same thought as, “The world, Govinda, is perfect at every moment.”

Go read DESIDERATA.

Author: Atanu Dey

Economist.

7 thoughts on “Desiderata”

  4. Atanu

    It is interesting you mention Govinda. I had downloaded Siddhartha in the audio form a year back. Never got around listening to it. These days I am commuting between San Jose and San Francisco via 280. Utilizing the time to listen to it. Thanks for mentioning – I can think, I can fast and I can wait – which got me interested in listening to it.

    Like

  5. On 2nd thoughts, I would like to add something:

    It is one thing to appreciate such wisdom at an intellectual level particularly when one is sitting cozy, in a nice, secure environment.

    It is an entirely different proposition and a rather tall order to be able to put such wisdom into practice should one face confronting situations, circumstances, or for that matter, people in life that may evoke our most hidden insecurities and inhibitions.

    So, I wonder what human qualities are necessary to cultivate and practice such wisdom in one’s day to day life?

    My take would be:
    – courage
    – mindfulness

    Your’s?

    Like

Comments are closed.