...perennial as grass...
If you read the words below, and you should, they are a lovely affirmation of life amidst the turmoil of modern "life, or "flaming chaos," as we now call it. Spock from the tv show Star Trek recorded this on an album in 1968; and I first encountered it on posters during the hippie days of the early 70s. (I know, I know, super old). "Go placidly..." seemed wise during the Vietnam debacle and being a "child of the universe" helped overcome the alienation youngsters always feel. Peace and love was groovy. Still is. The notion that this was a benediction found in a church over 300 years ago lent it gravity and foresight. Yeah, the world has always felt like a dumpster fire, or Wednesday, as we now call it, even in the 1600s. These lines of prose are profoundly applicable today. Read them slowly, even if you used to have the poster:
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.
Speak 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 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.
Found in Old Saint Paul's Church, Baltimore, 1692 A.D.
But, the truth is, this is a prose poem written in the 1920s by Max Ehrmann from Terre Haute, Indiana. It was widely shared with little notoriety in Europe during the war and ultimately published after his death by his widow in a book of collected poems. In 1956, a pastor distributed it to his congregation, without attribution, in a mimeographed booklet printed on a letterhead reading "Old St. Paul's Church, Baltimore, A.D. 1692", the year the church was founded. To this day, there is confusion in the public mind as it is so familiar and yet feels like a historical text. Wisdom, whether from the seventeenth century or from the Midwest, has no bounds. A moral code in one paragraph, yes indeed. "Keep peace in your soul."
The extraordinary concept of the proper unfolding of the universe, especially RIGHT NOW, is a comfort.
Thanks Max.
As always, please share. Comfort is needed. And buy art now since Beauty is always a comfort and a delight, and artists right now are working on the placid part with noise and haste. Imagine growing fruit and the fruit stand is closed. Or playing music and everyone is wearing earmuffs... Or...
You get the picture. So, get the picture. Peace and love, Bruce Mac
P.S. Doyle Bramhall Jr. sings, "Love is the answer. The answer is waiting."
