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The Desiderata Project
The Desiderata Project
The Project
In 2025, The Desiderata Project, spearheaded by visionary leader Julie Meyers Werner, embarks on a journey to revive the timeless wisdom of The Desiderata for the modern era. With its enduring message of peace, love, and self-acceptance, The Desiderata has inspired generations, and this renewed initiative aims to breathe fresh life into its words. Werner's leadership focuses on assembling a diverse and passionate team of creatives, educators, and thought leaders who can translate this poetic philosophy into formats that resonate with today's audiences—be it through multimedia, education, or cultural outreach.
As the world grapples with increasing disconnection, anxiety, and conflict, The Desiderata Project seeks to be a guiding light, offering clarity, compassion, and hope. By modernizing the message while remaining faithful to its core ideals, the project aspires to make The Desiderata more accessible and impactful than ever before. The initiative’s mission is to spread this deeply loving and affirming message to the millions who long for reassurance, meaning, and peace. Whether through digital storytelling, community engagement, or artistic collaboration, The Desiderata Project positions itself at the heart of a global movement for spiritual renewal and inner harmony.
Revitalize a Beautiful Message
The Desiderata Project seeks to breathe new life into the timeless message of The Desiderata, translating its gentle wisdom into a format that resonate with today's fast-paced, modern world. By reimagining this poetic affirmation for contemporary audiences, the project ensures its beauty and relevance endure for generations to come.
Honour a Legacy of Grace
Rooted in respect for the original spirit of The Desiderata, the project pays tribute to its legacy of calm strength, quiet dignity, and inner grace. Through thoughtful curation and mindful storytelling, it honors the values that have made the text a global touchstone for peace and purpose.
Share these Sage Words and Inspire
The Desiderata Project is dedicated to sharing the profound wisdom of The Desiderata with communities across the world, inspiring individuals to live with kindness, authenticity, and compassion. Through creative outreach and digital engagement, the project seeks to awaken hearts and minds to the transformative power of these enduring words..
The Poem
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.
The Performance
In 1970, Fred Werner put the immortal words of Max Ehrmann's, The Disderata, to music.
About
Fred Werner
Fred Werner was a distinguished figure in American show business, with a career spanning several decades across Broadway, television, and film. Born with an innate musical talent and a passion for performance, Werner began his professional journey in the 1960s when he arrived in New York City, the epicenter of American theater. It was there that he established himself as a sought-after Music Director, collaborating with some of the most iconic names in Broadway history.
Timeline of The Desiderata
1927
Max Ehrmann, a lawyer and writer from Terre Haute, Indiana, registers Desiderata with the U.S. Copyright Office.
1971
Fred Werner collaborates with Les Crane to produce a musical version of Desiderata. The album wins the 1971 Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Recording.
2025
The Desiderata Project, headed by Julie Meyers Werner, begins the search for talent to bring about a renewed vision of The Desiderata for the modern age.
