Max Ehrmann's "Desiderata" as a Didactic Poem Anonymous 8th Grade

Max Ehrmann’s “Desiderata” is a didactic poem that deals with improvement of the self and outlines a simple, positive credo to achieve happiness in relationships and hence in life. “Desiderata” is Latin for “desired things,” and the poet sees placidity and hope as “desired qualities” to be cultivated to brave the upheavals of life. Though simple and written in plain, unassuming language, the poem relays profound and universal truths.

The poem is written in gently encouraging imperative sentences. Ehrmann advises the reader to “go placidly amid the noise and haste,” advocating a broadness of vision necessary to accept opinions not concurrent with one’s own. In his view, one should state one’s own “truth”—taken to mean a view of life—“quietly and clearly,” with grace and dignity, as that is most effective. Ehrmann draws attention to the quick pace of life that does not always leave one time to assess situations wisely; but he urges his reader to maintain composure amid the restlessness of a bustling, noisy life. (“Remember what peace there may be in silence.”) Solitude and silence grant the peace required to garner strength, to introspect and reflect.

The poet encourages the reader to maintain their individuality “without...