[HN Gopher] Desiderata: Original Text
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       Desiderata: Original Text
        
       Author : DerekBickerton
       Score  : 24 points
       Date   : 2023-03-18 19:47 UTC (3 hours ago)
        
 (HTM) web link (www.desiderata.com)
 (TXT) w3m dump (www.desiderata.com)
        
       | ChrisMarshallNY wrote:
       | My favorite version of this:
       | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Axyqk5ERKQ
       | 
       | The female singer was some unknown, named Melissa Manchester.
        
         | emmelaich wrote:
         | Did you mean _previously_ unknown? Or is this an ironic
         | comment.
        
           | ChrisMarshallNY wrote:
           | It was ironic.
           | 
           | When this was done (I think 1971 or so), she was unknown.
        
           | CharlesW wrote:
           | The "was" strongly implies "was at the time". Wikipedia says
           | this was released a year before her debut album, and a few
           | years before her first hit song.
        
       | dmje wrote:
       | This was in a frame above the bath when I was a kid. It sunk in -
       | I've always remembered it and can recite it pretty well even now,
       | 40+ years later. I think it's a lovely bit of advice :-)
        
       | codeulike wrote:
       | I always loved Desiderata, its really wholesome and genuinely
       | good advice.
       | 
       | I know it doesnt deserve it, but as a sort of sacrilege I
       | couldn't resist asking GPT-4 to do a version of Desiderata
       | reframed as advice for Instagram Influencers (on the basis that
       | nothing could be further from the sentiment of the original).
       | Interestingly it kept throwing out the original text again, it
       | took a lot of tries to get it to alter it. Apologies in advance
       | for this:
       | 
       | Instagramata
       | 
       | Go confidently amid the filters and the likes, and remember what
       | joy there may be in authenticity. As far as possible, without
       | compromise, be on good terms with all followers. Share your story
       | boldly and kindly; and listen to others, even to the trolls and
       | the haters; they too have their perspective.
       | 
       | Avoid vain and dishonest influencers; they are vexatious to the
       | soul. If you compare yourself with others, you may become
       | insecure or arrogant, for always there will be more popular and
       | less popular accounts than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as
       | well as your collaborations. Keep interested in your own niche,
       | however humble; it is a real expression of your passion in the
       | changing trends of time.
       | 
       | Exercise caution in your endorsements, for social media is full
       | of deception. But let this not blind you to what value there is;
       | many influencers strive for high standards, and everywhere online
       | is full of creativity. Be yourself. Especially do not fake
       | engagement. Neither be cynical about feedback; for in the face of
       | all algorithm changes and shadow bans, it is as perennial as the
       | hashtags.
       | 
       | Take kindly the advice of experts, gracefully adapting to new
       | features. Nurture strength of character to shield you from
       | negative comments. But do not distress yourself with unrealistic
       | expectations. Many fears are born of insecurity and isolation.
       | Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a
       | child of the internet no less than the memes and the reels; you
       | have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you,
       | no doubt social media is evolving as it should.
       | 
       | Therefore be at peace with Instagram, whatever you conceive it to
       | be. And whatever your goals and aspirations, in the noisy
       | distraction of online life, keep peace in your heart. With all
       | its glamour, drama and broken dreams, it is still a wonderful
       | platform. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
        
         | ChrisMarshallNY wrote:
         | I think that this was a great idea.
         | 
         | Maybe we should do this for almost any vocation.
        
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       (page generated 2023-03-18 23:00 UTC)