Full Careers

Why does "Desiderata" anger so many "religious" people...?

I couldn't believe how many sites on the internet have forums to argue about it.The words are so kind, & simple, & encompass what most "religions" profess to believe. Maybe more people should live by the words, rather than fight over them. Desiderata Go placidly amid the noise and 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 the ignorant; they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and 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 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, Desiderata, Copyright 1952. LOL! Only two responses so far (both wonderful, BTW!) I rest my case...

Public Comments

1. I've always loved that one. People seem to like to argue about things that they can't claim or explain with their own religion.
2. Some people like the idea of a black and white, right and wrong world. Simpler that way. Desiderata has too many gray areas if you are that way. It includes all those people strict religionists want to exclude. See, if everyone adopted these ideas, there would not be any more wars over religion. That would probably cut out about half of the wars. Then people would just fight over natural resources.
3. the beauty of wisdom. thank you. what happened to me and where have I been. once again, thank you.
4. Heh, my mantra. I sit and repeat that to myself a lot, it gives me a bit of will to live, that someone has gone out and written that. Heck, I keep a few versions of it at hand,so whenever I need it, I can look at it, makes all my anger and depression wash away Which is, to my mind, the reason why it infuriates so many religious people. It condenses the thoughts and feelings they get from their books and the like to 8 verses, theres no organisation behind it, and theres no room for confusion or mistranslation. So rather than follow it, they condemn it.