As soon as one reads the poem, Desiderata, a sudden upsurge
is felt within the veins of the reader. Each stanza has a significant idea embedded in it, the reading of which exalts the reader and wipes out gradually the questions and confusions that inherently is lodged within ones mind. The poem is highly thought provoking. The whole poem is overtly didactic like the classical texts. The poem seems to properly qualify itself as one which entertains and educates us. The above mentioned two qualities of a good writing makes a work of literary arty, a classic, and Desiderata is a classic poem and has a universal appeal. The reading of this poem has a quite soothing and civilizing effect on the reads. The poet advises us to cultivate a nature in us which is equanimous. The proper cultivation or grooming of ones nature amounts to ones character. And characters determine our destiny. Ehrmann wants us to groom ourselves in a manner that is self-enlightening. The hearing and responding to ones activated and surcharged soul in conducive to self-enlightment. And this recognition is possible only a person shall develop the competence to peep, deep into the soul, the potential of the mind that God has bestowed upon us. Ehrmann uses the noun, God, in the given poem. This mentioning of the noun, God sometimes bring the poem to be ecclesiastical and highly preaching. The poem has a very civilizing effect on us. It seems that even the most barbaric could not help himself to resist the effect of this poem. Through this poem, Ehrmann to a degree, resembles to Galsworthy. In one of his play (Justice), Galsworthy suggests how law must be tempered with emotion, that is, reason must be tempered with emotion. In a similar way, Ehrmann wants us to accommodate both the rational and emotional principal in us. According to him, not educating the heart, and merely educating our mind would tantamount to something quite dangerous. It is because of this reason that he wants us to polish our spirit. The poem takes a very pragmatic approach in some stanzas of the poem. The poet wants us to develop the discretion of choice. Ehrmann in the very lucid manner wants us to look through what is real and what is appearance, that what is valid and what is not. Ehrmann seems critical of those phenomenon which are hyperreal and misleading. It is because of this reason that he wants us exercise caution in our affairs. Along with the above mentioned phenomenon, Ehrmann is also critical of the iconoclastic generation that was dwelling in America when he wrote the poem. The iconoclast people identify no authority and rules. Ironically, these people even dont have a certain solution to their skeptical problems. Ehrmann, here surfaces as a liberal humanist. He wants us to be more tolerant and exercise perseverance in our daily life. The nurturing of such qualities will bring harmony among people and would be exalting for everyone. Ehrmann, in his poem is of the opinion that a man is not born evil, a man is just born ignorant. But it is the distinctive quality of men to reach a level of knowledge through exercise and education. He writes that when a person starts moving forth in the enlightened path, he conceives of a universe that is so wide and diverse. The whole universe unfolds itself and opens its colossus arms to embrace its child. It is for this reason that Ehrmann says that we are the child of God, hence the universe. In this way Ehrmann gives us the key to unlock the vivacity and vividness of the universe. For Ehrmann, a modern man is not a leisurely stroller. For him, a modern man is born for a purpose. However difficult it would be to come out of the chaotic maze of life, listening to our inner-self recedes this sea of difficulty. Ehrmanns simplicity of poetic efficacy straight worthy thrones our consciousness. We are at once absolved of that gutt feeling which has intoxicated us hitherto. We start feeling the rolling of wheels that is to lead us through enlightened path.