<![CDATA[In a world filled with noise and uncertainty, literature like Max Ehrmann’s “Desiderata” offers timeless guidance for living with purpose, balance, and inner peace. This study analysed Max Ehrmann’s prose poem "Desiderata" using a didactic literary approach to investigate its moral and philosophical teachings, establishing a connection between its linguistic elements and Carol Ryff’s Psychological Well-being model in promoting eudaimonia. Addressing a gap in existing scholarship, this study is novel in examining “Desiderata” as a didactic literary piece, revealing how it systematically imparts moral and philosophical guidance to foster the development of eudaimonia. A qualitative linguistic analysis, guided by Carol Ryff’s Psychological Well-Being framework and employing a didactic literary approach, has been used as the primary methodology of this study. After a thorough analysis, the study revealed that “Desiderata” promotes the six components of Ryff’s psychological well-being, which are personal growth, self-acceptance, autonomy, environmental mastery, positive relationships, and purpose in life, through its moral and philosophical guidance. The findings suggest that the poem retains social relevance across generations by promoting emotional resilience, authenticity, and inner peace in response to shifting moral standards. The study further recommends integrating literary texts, such as “Desiderata”, into values education to promote psychological well-being and moral development. By emphasizing moral reflection and psychological well-being through literature, this study contributes to the broader educational aim of nurturing the holistic development of learners, in harmony with the principles of Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4): Quality Education.]]>
