The supreme prayer of my heart . . . is not to be rich, famous, powerful, or too good, but to be radiant. I desire to radiate health, calm courage, cheerfulness, and good will. I wish to live without hate, whim, jealousy, envy, or fear. I wish to be simple, honest, frank, natural, clean in mind and clean in body, unaffected, ready to say I do not know if so it be, to meet all men and women on an absolute equality, to face any obstacle and meet every difficulty unabashed and unafraid. I wish others to live their lives, too, up to their fullest and best. To that end, I pray that I may never meddle, interfere, dictate, give advice that is not wanted, or assist when my services are not needed. If I can help people, I will do it, by giving them a chance to help themselves; and if I can uplift or inspire, let it be by example, rather than by injunction and dictation. That is to say, I desire to be radiant, to radiate life.
-An anonymous doughboy prayer found in France during World War II (which came to me by way of my friend Marathon Gal, my former roommate. I have since shared it with many people. I hope you enjoy it too).
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