Max Ehrmann Quotes

“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

“Whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding
as it should.”

— Max Ehrmann

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.

— Max Ehrmann

Go Placidly, Amid the noise and Haste & Remember what peace there may be in silence ...

— Max Ehrmann

“As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.”

— Max Ehrmann

“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

“I contracted a disease which I have never shaken off. The disease was idealism. Because of it, I did the thing in life I wanted to do - Writing.”

— Max Ehrmann

“I see there is a good deal of grandiloquence in my book - my friends and foes have told me. I think it must be true, for there is a good deal of grandiloquence in me - and in nature also: I saw a sunset last evening that was a gross imposition upon modesty.”

— Max Ehrmann

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.
Desiderata of Happiness

— Max Ehrmann

“Be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars. In the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul.”

— Max Ehrmann

“Whatever else you do or forbear, impose upon yourself the task of happiness; and now and then abandon yourself to the joy of laughter. And however much you condemn the evil in the world, remember that the world is not all evil; that somewhere children are at play, as you yourself in the old days; that women still find joy in the stalwart hearts of men; And that men, treading with restless feet their many paths, may yet find refuge from the storms of the world in the cheerful house of love.”

— Max Ehrmann

“Ere you lie down to sleep in the night, sit still awhile, and nurse again to life your gentler self. Forget the restless, noisy spirit of the day, and encourage to speech the soft voices within you that timidly whisper of the peace of the quiet night; and occasionally look out at the quiet stars. The night will soothe you like a tender mother, folding you against her soft bosom, and hiding you from the harm of the world.”

— Max Ehrmann

“For the entire Desiderata go to Inspirational Poems page”

— Max Ehrmann

“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

Forbid that I should judge others, lest I condemn myself.

— Max Ehrmann

“Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.”

— Max Ehrmann

“Wishing you happiness always! 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 ... 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 with your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.”

— Max Ehrmann

Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.

— Max Ehrmann

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

— Max Ehrmann

“Speak your truth quietly & clearly; and listen to others, even the dull & ignorant; they too have their story.”

— Max Ehrmann

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

“Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity & disenchantment it is perennial as the grass.”

— Max Ehrmann

“Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.”

— Max Ehrmann

“Be cheerful . Strive to be happy.”

— Max Ehrmann

“You are a child of the universe ...”

— Max Ehrmann

“Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.”

— Max Ehrmann

“I should like, if I could, to leave a humble gift
a bit of chaste prose that had caught up some noble moods.”

— Max Ehrmann

Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

— Max Ehrmann

“Many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism.”

— Max Ehrmann

Lift up my eyes from the earth and let me not forget the uses of the stars.

— Max Ehrmann

“Let me do my work each day, and if the darkened hours of despair overcome me, may I not forget the strength that comforted me in the desolation of other times ...”

— Max Ehrmann

“Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be.”

— Max Ehrmann