Page 33 - DIY Investor Magazine | Issue 30

Then I may divest myself of this troublesome share, and buy the Trust. I would be very interested to hear from any of you that know anything about this fund.
At the age of fourteen when I first went to sea on Icelandic trawlers as a ‘Decky Learner’ my mother gave me two plasticised cards bearing words of wisdom which were intended to help me stay on the straight and narrow.
One was ‘If’ by Rudyard Kipling and the other was ‘Desiderata’ by Max Ehrmann. Recently, I rediscovered these long-forgotten cards in an old box.
‘If’ I recalled instantly, but ‘Desiderata’came back afresh. It is a wonderful piece of prose, with superb advice for life. I heartily recommend it as reading for youngsters starting out in life, and for that matter people of all ages, especially those able to exert influence on others – I’ve typed it out in full at the bottom of this email.
Over the last couple of years, time and hospital has made me realise that I am growing older. The evidence of that is when
I now fall over, I look to see what I can do whilst I am down there. Surely a bad sign!
Best wishes and good luck with your investments. Douglas.
Founder & Chairman Desiderata.
Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or 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, however humble; 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 the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. 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. 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 in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
By Max Ehrmann © 1927
33 DIY Investor Magazine | Sept 2021