Poem Review- Desiderata by Max Ehrmann - ‘Appreciation of Life.’

Source: Etsy

The poem ‘Desiderata’ is a prose poem written by Max Ehrmann. This poem was written as advice from a father to his daughter, and it elaborates on the best way to cope with the roughness and tumble of this world. The poem calls for a balanced approach to life, and it teaches us to celebrate goodness by telling us that despite its imperfections, it is still a beautiful world. The poem continues to be among one the best poems written to date.

Introduction-

Poem’s Name- Desiderata

Poet’s Name- Max Ehrmann

Genre- A prose poem

Language-English

About the Poem

The term ‘Desiderata’ means ‘desired things’ in Latin. The poem celebrates the placidity with which one should move amid the noise and chaos of life. It calls for a peaceful co-existence with other human beings, without surrendering our self-respect and dignity. We should try to be on good terms with all others. The world is full of people who try to shut down others’ opinions.

We should speak the truth, and at the same time, listen to others as everyone has his/her own story to tell. One should avoid loud and boastful people as they are troublesome to the spirit. One should not compare oneself to others as there is always someone who is better or worse off than us. We should celebrate our achievements as well as our plans as the journey is considered to be as important as the destination.

The poem also states that holding onto one’s career provides one with stability during troubled times. We should stay cautious in this world full of trickery, and despite such people, there are others who continue with their unremarkable acts of heroism in their daily lives. The poem encourages us to be ourselves, particularly in matters of love and affection.

One must not be cynical about love, love is one of the few things that strive to be as perennial as the grass in the face of hardships and disappointments. True love is unconditional and it never dies. The poem talks about the importance of wisdom and experience of old age which must be considered with a certain degree of openness and humility. One must not be anxious and must always be prepared to face the challenges of life.

Once one has disciplined oneself, one must try to be gentle with oneself. One must be at peace with God and with oneself. We should acknowledge the fact that things always happen in the way they are meant to be. The poem ends with the thought that whatever the situation, the world is still a beautiful place to live in.

About the Poet

Max Ehrmann (September 26, 1872 – September 9, 1945) was an American writer, poet, and attorney from Terre Haute, Indiana, widely known for his 1927 prose poem ‘Desiderata’. Ehrmann received his early education from the Terre Haute Fourth District School and the German Methodist Church. Between 1890-94, he attended De Pauw University in Greencastle, Indiana. While at De Pauw, Ehrmann became editor of the school newspaper, Depauw Weekly.

Upon graduation, Ehrmann studied law and philosophy at Harvard and edited The Rainbow, a national college fraternity magazine. While at Harvard, he also published his first book, A Farrago, in 1898.

Ehrmann returned to his hometown of Terre Haute, Indiana, in 1898 to practice law. He was a deputy state’s attorney in Vigo County, Indiana for two years. Subsequently, he worked in his family's meatpacking business and in the overalls manufacturing industry (Ehrmann Manufacturing Co.) At the age of 40, he left the business to write. At the age of 55, he wrote Desiderata, which achieved fame only after his death.

Theme of the Poem

The poem deals with the themes of love, compassion, honesty, humility, and a positive approach to life. The poem is a moving piece of verse where the father sparks like a sage to his daughter with words of wisdom. The poem is specially composed as advice for youngsters. It teaches them a number of lessons in life.

The poem radiates goodness and it transcends the boundaries of ages, cultures, and geographies. It is short and simple but more importantly, it is magnificently powerful. The poem can act as a wonderful guide during times of hardships and self-doubt. It encourages people to find ways of patiently overcoming difficulties.

Famous quotes

‘‘Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.’’
‘‘Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans’’
‘‘Many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism.’’
‘‘You are a child of the universe
no less than the trees and the stars, you have a right to be here.’’

Conclusion

The poem celebrates perfection within the imperfections of life.

My ratings for the poem-4.5/5

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Written by- Pranika Kothari