The Desiderata of Happiness: A Collection of Philosophical Poems

by Max Ehrmann, Sally Sturman (Illustrator)

Desiderata, that world-famous poem that begins, 'Go placidly amid the noise and haste', must be one of the best-loved poems in the English language, revered by many as the ideal philosophy of life. Few people realise that it was written in 1927 by the Indiana poet Max Ehrmann who died in 1945 and whose work, until the 1960s, was largely forgotten.

This beautiful little book brings together more of the writings of this remarkable man, revealing a love of the world and a concern for its social problems that mark him as one of the greatest spokesman of the twentieth century. Ehrmann was not afraid to express his thoughts about the evils and scandals he saw around him, and in his quest for contentment he turned to nature and the eternal passage of the seasons: his philosophical thoughts are a search for social truth and peace.

Readers will find in his poems much that has relevance today. Through Ehrmann we are led to look again at our twenty-first century values and to turn for truth and reality to the essence of beauty and goodness that lies all around us, if we can but open our eyes to see.

Genres: Poetry, Philosophy, Inspirational, Nonfiction

64 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 1975

About the author

Max Ehrmann (September 26, 1872 - September 9, 1945), an attorney from Indiana, was best known for writing the prose poem "Desiderata" (Latin: "things desired as essential") in 1927.

Ehrmann, who was of German descent, received a degree in English from DePauw University, followed by a degree in Philosophy from Harvard University. He then returned to his hometown of Terre Haute, Indiana to practice law. Eventually this led him to work in his family's meatpacking business and in the overalls manufacturing industry. Finally at the age of 41, Ehrmann decided to forget such work and become a writer. At the age of 55 he wrote Desiderata, which achieved fame only after his death

Reviews

[Cathy DuPont · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unlike many poets, Max Ehrmann's poetry is easily and immediately understandable.

I have had a copy of The Desiderata in my home for many years, a gift from my mother, but was unfamiliar with the poet/philosopher, Ehrmann. He wrote the Desiderata in 1927 and it represents his philosophy which boils down to peace on earth and peace within your soul. Be kind, always. The Desiderata is the first and opening essay or prose poem of a small book of Ehrmann's poetry.

Lovely book, simply lovely. So glad I happened upon it.

Although I love the entire short essay, this is my favorite part:

"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."

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is better than any self-help book, any religious advice, anything a therapist could say. Those poems are the best instruction on how to live a good, honest, happy life. Ehrmann was wise way beyond the time he lived in.

[Rosanna Threakall · Rating 5 out of 5]

This most perfect collection of poems you could ever wish for. Picked it up from a rare bookstall on the market and read it whilst I was locked out of my house ^_^

[Betty Bleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The poems in this book are wonderful, very thought provoking and just beautiful. I recommend it to any poet who enjoys romanticism and philosophical views on life.

[Kat Pau · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most beautiful books I've ever read and I'd recommend this to anyone.

[Lilly · Rating 4 out of 5]

The namesake of my home for the last 3 years and a good way to say goodbye.

[Marty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given a copy of this wonderful prose poem by my ex-fiancee a few years ago. I had first discovered it many years before that. It is full of wisdom and good intention, a valuable, if simplistic, moral blueprint that we should all try to live by. As for my ex-fiancee, she was even more wonderful, and remains the most special lady in this universe or any other. I hope this proves that I am living by the Desiderata !! As it says "Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass". What more can one say...

[Umitha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read this book over and over and over again for the past 5 years. I got this book my complete fluke at a time when I was on an emotional rollercoaster - I became a first time mom. I have set the date for today but this is a book that I will read for many many many more years to come. Its is always in my bedside cabinet.

It is a collection of short poems that inspire and make one think about the past, present and the future. I find in any time of need it seems to centre my thoughts really well. It is so beautifully written, precise and concise. I love picking this book up every now and then after a few months. The poems always feel fresh and I always relate to them in very different ways.

Can you tell I'm obsessed?

[Gareth Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this collection in one sitting. There are a couple of clear themes, made on ious by the way this little hardback is structured. Unsurprisingly, ‘Desiderata’ is the standout piece. No wonder, as it tells of a deep thinking compassion and adroit self-reflection. Although written far back in the last century, it resonates with relevance. More than that, it is as compelling and elegant as Rudyard Kipling’s ‘If’ for the following century. ‘Go placidly amid the noise and haste’ indeed.
The other poems contain similar advice and echoes of this great piece of writing, but pale rather by comparison. Nevertheless, taken on their own merit, they are certainly worth reading.

[Judith Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I, like many of my generation, have had a copy of Desiderata since the 1970s, and it has always been a guiding, consoling, balancing light in my life. I wasn't aware, though, of Max Ehrmann's background, or that he had written poetry, until I came across a second-hand copy of this little volume in the charity bookshelf in the Tesco superstore in Llandrindod Wells recently. Many of these poems are quite simply beautiful, though there are a few that were less so. Grateful to have come across it, and will be keeping it!

[Shai S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some of the poems have really stuck with me, such as the city one and To Be with You. And of course, Desiderata is my favorite poem ever. I do have to hand it to Ehrmann, though. He has cemented himself firmly into my vibe, and I hope he does not leave anytime soon. Flower boy! I love him. I need to read some of the later poems in the collection more closely because I really do not remember them. But most of them struck me as romantic in the ways I liked best.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Desiderata by Max Ehrmann falls short beyond its titular poem, a timeless piece that has been central to my meditation practice for the past five years. While “Desiderata” alone makes the collection worthwhile, the other works, which I read for the first time tonight, don’t measure up. If you decide to peek at Ehrmann’s work you won’t be disappointed with “Desiderata,”—just don’t expect to find much else in this collection.

[Bookish.Issy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A mixed bag of poems, however some of them are very hard hitting - and very relevant to today. He is bemused by the people around him, by his own thoughts and by the horror of the world. A lot of readers also feel the same right now.

I started to compile my favourites below but realised they are all good in their own way. It's an interesting collection full of nature and spring and wimsiness and then boom life questions and horror of society.

Desiderata
Sleep
Dark Days
Alien Fires

[Michael McPherson III · Rating 4 out of 5]

When i first read this i was almost kind of angry at it. It felt like this book was telling me i need to be all the things i am not. It also of course talked a lot about happiness which was annoying because i am not happy. But the book changed as it went on and started talking about different things. I walked away really liking it.

[Mara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gifted by my friend N.B. who found it through Reddit.
Some really amazing poems like Desiderata.

Desiderata was my absolute favorite. I liked the other poems too, but they did not resonate with me as much as the first.

[Tiare · Rating 5 out of 5]

Published in 1975 they don’t make books like this anymore. Excellent quality images and paper. I almost want to tear it apart and frame some pages but I won’t. I’ll keep it on my shelf to open up and read every once in awhile. 🌸

[NJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book among the most precious readings I had. Of these sorts are good reminders about what really matters.

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simply a wonderful, uplifting read that speaks directly to your heart.

[Ray Quirolgico · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not as impactful as the original “Desiderata” but a fitting companion piece that serves the same purpose of promoting quiet reflection and inner peace.

[Matt Wiebe · Rating 4 out of 5]

https://mattcanada.wordpress.com/2020...

[Tam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Desiderata as a personal creed is beautiful guidance for your best life.

[Dieu-Hoa Nguyen]

A colleague sends me a piece of poem. A lots of beautiful words there.

[Tine Westerfelhaus · Rating 3 out of 5]

The poem "Desiderata" is justifiably a well known one and in fact one of my favourites. There are other beautiful poems in this book; in my opinion not as well made nor aged as Desiderata or Summer.

[Stephanie Bruno · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful accompaniment to my favorite poem of all time, “Desiderata” by Max Ehrmann. A collection of his other timeless poetry.

[Helen Burton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve had this book for many years and have not looked at it for a long while. Glad I picked it up again! Desiderata is one of my favourite poems.

[Echo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love Max Ehrmann's writing. It puts me in a good place, but also, I'm surprised how relevant so much of it remains.

[miss c a shuter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful

I read this poem and it stopped me in my tracks. I hope everyone reads it. It is simply beautiful.

[Dédalo Purificação · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good friend gave me this book, and I enjoyed it. Nothing groundbreaking, just some nuggets of wisdom.

[Jean Sommerdyk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful and inspiring.

[Riversue · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Desiderata, of course, is a poem from my youth when every hippie had it on their wall somewhere in the house. The rest are a tad pedantic.