Over at Reddit, user /r/uppyday posted this picture, with the following description: “My 15 year old attempted suicide; after 3 months in hospital, she finally came home to find this on her board, written by her 13 year old sister.”

That’s poignant in the extreme, given the circumstances.

The oldsters among us will recognize these words as part of Max Ehrmann’s “Desiderata,” published in 1927. Written not long after the close of World War I, those words seem almost incongruous for what we today consider a much quieter age than the incredible social cacaphony in which we now dwell.

As a reminder for all of us to slow down and focus on the things that matter, I share “Desiderata” again here, for my benefit as much as anyone else’s.

Text version:

“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.”

Ehrmann has spoken; the Old Wolf has nothing to add.