text: 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 the dull and ignorant they too have their story be yourself especially do not feign affection neither be cynical about love for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is perennial as the grass take kindly the counsel of the years gracefully surrendering the things of youth nurture strength of spirit to shield you from 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 labours 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