The poem “Desiderata” resonates deeply with many, offering guidance on navigating life’s complexities with peace and integrity. Often shrouded in myth, attributed to ancient origins and anonymous authorship, the real story of Desiderata is far more recent and personal. This inspirational prose, brimming with wisdom, actually hails from the 20th century and the pen of an American lawyer and writer named Max Ehrmann. Let’s delve into the fascinating history behind this beloved poem and uncover the truth about its creation and enduring appeal.
The Myth vs. Reality of Desiderata’s Origins
A persistent legend claims Desiderata was discovered in Old St Paul’s Church, Baltimore, dating back to 1692, lending it an air of ancient wisdom and mystery. However, this romantic notion is far from the truth. Max Ehrmann, a Terre Haute, Indiana resident, wrote Desiderata around 1920 and secured its copyright in 1927. The myth began to take root decades later, in 1959, when Reverend Frederick Kates included the poem in a compilation for his congregation at St. Paul’s Church. The church’s letterhead, mentioning “Old St Paul’s Church, Baltimore, AD 1692,” inadvertently fueled the misconception of ancient origins as copies circulated.
The poem’s fame and the associated myth were further amplified by an incident in 1965 when a copy of Desiderata, mistakenly linked to 1692 and Old St Paul’s Church, was found at the bedside of the late statesman Adlai Stevenson. This discovery, widely publicized, cemented the false narrative of Desiderata being an age-old text of unknown provenance.
Despite the debated interpretations of Desiderata’s verses, and the layers of misinformation surrounding its history, the poem’s core message remains undeniably inspirational. Ehrmann’s words offer a straightforward and positive philosophy for living a meaningful life.
The Enduring Wisdom of Desiderata – Poem by Max Ehrmann
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 to 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 perennial as the grass.
Take kindly to 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.
Max Ehrmann c.1920
Max Ehrmann: The Man Behind the Words
To truly appreciate Desiderata, understanding the life of its creator, Max Ehrmann, provides valuable context. Born on September 16, 1872, in Terre Haute, Indiana, to German immigrant parents, Ehrmann’s background was rooted in the American Midwest. He pursued higher education, graduating from DePauw University in 1894 and further studying law and philosophy at Harvard University.
From Law to Literature: Ehrmann’s Professional Journey
Returning to Terre Haute, Ehrmann initially practiced law. However, his passion soon shifted towards writing in the early 1900s. He became known as the “Poet Laureate of Terre Haute,” dedicating himself to his craft. While Ehrmann penned numerous poems, Desiderata remained relatively unknown until after his passing. Another notable poem from his repertoire is “A Prayer,” written in 1906, showcasing his early inclination towards introspective and spiritual themes.
Personal Life and Legacy
In a significant personal event, Max Ehrmann married Bertha Scott King just three months before his death in 1945. Bertha, an accomplished woman herself, was a Smith College graduate, author, and teacher. She authored “The Worth of a Girl,” reflecting her own literary pursuits. Bertha played a crucial role in preserving and promoting Max’s work posthumously, publishing four of his books shortly after his death.
Bertha continued to champion Max’s writing, including Desiderata in “The Poems Of Max Ehrmann,” a collection published in 1948. She diligently renewed the poem’s copyright in 1948 and 1954, safeguarding its legal status. Following Bertha’s death in 1962, copyright ownership transitioned to her nephew, Richmond Wight, who later sold it to Crescendo Publishing Company in 1975.
Desiderata’s Cultural Impact and Influence
Desiderata’s journey from a relatively obscure poem to a cultural touchstone is remarkable. Initially copyrighted as “Go Placidly Amid The Noise And Haste” in 1927, with copyright number 962402, dated January 3rd, Ehrmann shared it in a 1933 Christmas message to friends, notably without a copyright notice. This lack of explicit notice later played a significant role in copyright legal debates surrounding the poem.
The poem’s therapeutic value was recognized early on. In 1942, US Army psychiatrist Merill Moore communicated with Ehrmann, expressing how he utilized Desiderata in his therapy sessions. Moore even playfully suggested in 1944 that Ehrmann should bottle and market the poem as “Dr Ehrmann’s Magic Soul Medicine.” These exchanges between Moore and Ehrmann became relevant evidence in later copyright considerations.
Reverend Frederick Kates’ distribution of Desiderata in 1959 (or possibly 1957) is considered the catalyst for the widespread myth and enduring confusion about its origins. By the late 1970s, Old St Paul’s Church was fielding numerous weekly inquiries about the poem’s source.
Adlai Stevenson’s association with Desiderata in 1965, albeit based on the mythical origin story, significantly boosted the poem’s visibility and cemented the public perception of its ancient roots.
Even figures like Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry kept a copy of Desiderata in his office, highlighting its inspirational appeal across diverse fields.
The poem achieved mainstream popularity as an Athena poster in the late 1970s, further embedding it in popular culture.
The very title “Desiderata,” Latin for “things that are yearned for” or, more contextually, “essential things,” encapsulates the poem’s core message of focusing on what truly matters in life.
In 1971, singer Les Crane’s spoken-word recording of Desiderata became a hit, earning him a Grammy Award. Crane, initially believing the poem to be in the public domain after encountering it on a poster, reportedly had to share royalties with the copyright holders, underscoring the ongoing complexities of Desiderata’s copyright history.
Interpreting Desiderata: A Timeless Guide to Life
A minor point of debate surrounds the poem’s concluding line, with some versions using “Be careful…” instead of “Be cheerful…”. Modern interpretations, including the version presented here, generally favor “Be cheerful…”, aligning with the poem’s overall positive and encouraging tone.
Desiderata and the Labyrinth of Copyright
The copyright history of Desiderata is complex and has been subject to legal challenges. A pivotal case arose after Success Unlimited magazine published the poem in August 1971. This led to a copyright lawsuit, Bell v. Combined Registry Co. (536 F.2d 164 – 7th Cir., 1976), pitting Robert L Bell (then copyright owner) against Combined Registry Company (the publisher). On May 14, 1976, the court ruled in favor of Combined Registry Company. However, reports suggest Bell has since pursued other successful claims, making it advisable to exercise caution when considering commercial use of Desiderata. It’s recommended to conduct thorough online research to ascertain the most current details regarding copyright and ownership before undertaking any publication or for-profit exploitation of the poem.
Further Exploration
Next: Stories, analogies and fables
