***¢ SAGE ADVICE FOR ALL!¢¢ FOUND IN OLD SAINT PAUL'S CHURCH, ¢ BALTIMORE,MD, DATED 1692.¢¢ "Go placidly amid the noise and hate,¢ and remember what peace there may be¢ in silence. As far as possible¢ without surrender be on good terms¢ with all persons. Speak your truths¢ quietly and clearly; and listen to¢ others, even the dull and ignorant;¢ they too have their story. Avoid loud¢ and aggressive persons, they are¢ vexations to the spirit. If you¢ compare yourself to 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,¢ how everhumble; 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 is the grass. Take kindly to¢ counsel of the years, gracefully¢ surrendering the things of youth.¢ Nurture strength of spirit to shield¢ you in sudden misfortune. But do not¢ distress youself with imaginings. ¢ Many fears are born of fatigue and¢ lonliness. Beyond a wholesome¢ discipline, be gentle with yourself. ¢ You are a child of the universe, no¢ less than the trees and 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 with your soul. With¢ all its sham drudgery and broken¢ dreams it is still a beautiful world. ¢ Be careful. STRIVE TO BE HAPPY!"¢ (e) (n) (d)¢¢
