Desiderata

Desiderata is the famous writing of Max Ehrmann. It means "desired things." It urges people to see the beauty and troubles of the world through wise, hopeful and compassionate eyes. Ehrmann said he wrote it for himself "because it counsels those virtues I felt most in need of." Desiderata has touched millions of hearts and many people pattern their lives after it.

Often confused as being anonymously written in 1692 and found in Old Saint Paul's Church, the origins of the myth comes from the publication of a newsletter from the church with Desiderata printed on the cover. The masthead of the newsletter stated that the church was founded in 1692. Max Ehrmann, a Harvard-schooled philosoher and lawyer, wrote Desiderata in 1927 and copyrighted it that year.

Desiderata by Sherrie Lovler are fine-art prints of these words. Sherrie is a full-time artist and calligrapher who understands both quality and beauty. The original design is hand-lettered in the finest calligraphy and decorated to enhance both the words and your wall. You can choose from a design with flowers or without, in a variety of colors and sizes. They are all printed on acid-free paper and matted or framed in acid-free mats to last several lifetimes.

Ink Monkey Press understands your time frame and needs. With exceptional service, we deliver fast and impeccably. You can place your order by phone (Sherrie actually answers!) or securely online. Read below for some customer responses.

To order Desderata with flowers, matted or framed, click here.

To order Desderata without flowers, matted or framed, click here.

More Inspiration from Ink Monkey Press:

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		See slide show of 26 prints
Praise for Ink Monkey Press
Sherrie, they've just arrived. And they are absolutely beautiful!! Thank you so very, very much. You packed them so carefully too, so each print is in perfect condition... SB, Great Brittain Thank you very much for getting everything done so quickly. I truly appreciate it.......more........
Personal Stories about Desiderata
Thank you so much. I am excited about their arrival and think it is wonderful that you have found a way to intersect your passion and talent into creating products that bring joy to others. I've had a ratty Desiderata poster on my classroom door for 12 years now and I hope you will take pleasure in knowing your work will be seen by hundreds, if not thousands, of high schoolers for the next two decades. JG, Lansing, IL more........

Desiderata
by Max Ehrmann

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 to the dull and ignorant;
they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexatious to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or 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 in your soul.
With all its sham,
drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.

by Max Ehrmann
©1927 (renewed) Bell & Son Publishing, LLC
Reprinted with permission.

This website ©2004-2011 Sherrie Lovler. All artwork on these pages ©1996-2011 Sherrie Lovler.
No reproduction without written permission.