I recall the first time I read the prose poem, Desiderata. I was 15 when I came across a poster with the words of Desiderata written in calligraphy. That moment left a lasting impression on me. It was the time of the hippie subculture, also known as the flower people. I wore granny glasses, a floppy felt hat (I wish I still had that hat) and dressed in long flowing garments like bell bottoms and peasant skirts,
The emphasis on kindness, authenticity, and inner peace aligned with the values and ideals embraced during that era. The poem’s universal message of hope and guidance for navigating life’s challenges, as well as its reflection on how to live a fulfilling and meaningful life, captured the spirit of the hippy movement.
I had no idea that Desiderata was written, in 1927, by the American writer Max Ehrmann.
How could someone from the early 1900’s understand the cultural transformations that were occurring during my time?
Universal Ideals Transcend Time
The enduring appeal of timeless wisdom and universal ideals lies in their ability to transcend the constraints of time. Whether it is the emphasis on kindness, authenticity, and inner peace in Max Ehrmann’s “Desiderata” or other guiding principles, these concepts continue to resonate across generations, offering guidance and inspiration to individuals navigating life’s complexities. The capacity of universal ideals to remain relevant and influential speaks to their profound impact on human experiences, regardless of the era in which they are embraced.
Photography by Rebecca Budd
Location Beacon Hill Park, Victoria, British Columbia
Music by Epidemic Sound
Yonder Dale "We Carry On" https://www.com/track/cZt7xfAR7R/