Go Placidly Amid the Noise and Haste

There is anger abroad in the land.  This widespread sense of frustration and even despair at the condition of the country mostly accounts, I think, for the 'throw the bums out' attitude that is creating the likelihood of a Republican electoral sweep this fall.  It's not that the Republicans necessarily have the answers, it's just that they're not the ones in power right now.   

In fact, of course, Republicans don't have the answers or solutions.  We just finished with eight years of Republican rule, which ended with the Great Crash, due to all kinds of economic and foreign policy duplicity and malfeasance.  But the American people have very short memories, and Tea Partyers, it appears, even shorter.

A Democratic defeat this fall, leading to a Republican House of Representatives and/or Senate, will accomplish nothing to speak of, except to enrich the furniture movers of DC.  All the essential problems will remain unsolved and even unaddressed.  It will be a huge exercise in futility.  I have a nephew who refuses to vote.  I increasingly sympathize with him on this.

So we probably should just ignore all the froth produced by the media over the upcoming election.  It doesn't really matter, or to put it differently, nothing much can be done about it.  These things have their own rhythm and rhyme, their own timing. 

Go read a good book instead.  (I'm talking to myself now, you see.)  Fix up your house, tend your own little nest.  Keep in touch with your family and friends.  Exercise and eat right.  Try to live by the admonitions and advice of 'Desiderata', a practical and 'conservative' piece of wisdom.

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 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.