S5 Ep7: Desiderata by Max Ehrmann - a podcast by Dave Thomas

Desiderata by Max Ehrmann



Max Ehrmann(1872-1945) was a scholar and poet, born in Terre Haute, Indiana on September 16, 1872. He was the youngest of five children of German immigrants. He graduated from DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana in 1894, and then studied law and philosophy at Harvard University.



After 10 years in the business world, Ehrmann retired so he could devote all his time to literary work.



During his life, Max Ehrmann contributed great thoughts to our literary lexicons, blending the magic of words and wisdom with his worthy observations. 

His deep and abiding concern over social issues are reflected throughout his many works. He searched endlessly for spiritual contentment, often turning to nature as in his poem, The Noise of the City and Away. His philosophical writings are a search for social truth and peace—messages that never age.



Max Ehrmann wrote many poems, although none were well known until after his death. They have been collected into several books including the Desiderata of Happiness, and the Desiderata of Faith. His two most famous poems are Desiderata (1927) and A Prayer (1906).