If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or being lied about, don’t deal in lies,
Or being hated, don’t give way to hating,
And yet don’t look too good, nor talk too wise:
If you can dream—and not make dreams your master;
If you can think—and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you’ve spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build ’em up with worn-out tools:
If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breathe a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: ‘Hold on!’
If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with Kings—nor lose the common touch,
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it,
And—which is more—you’ll be a Man, my son!
Who is Rudyard Kipling?
Rudyard Kipling, born in 1865, was an English author and poet best known for his works The Jungle Book, Kim, and The Man Who Would Be King. In 1907, he received the Nobel Prize in Literature, becoming the first English-language writer to be honored.
Kipling’s writing often reflects his experiences in British India, exploring themes of imperialism, adventure, and human nature. His distinct narrative style and vivid storytelling have left a lasting impact on literature, influencing generations of writers. Kipling passed away in 1936.
Impact Of The Poem
Since its publication in 1910, Rudyard Kipling’s poem “If—” has had a profound literary impact. Its themes of resilience, moral integrity, and the journey to adulthood resonate universally, offering a blueprint for personal conduct and maturity. The poem’s structure, with its rhythmic cadence and conditional phrases, emphasizes the importance of maintaining composure in the face of adversity. Its influence extends beyond literature, inspiring leaders, educators, and motivational speakers.
“If—” is often quoted in discussions about character and perseverance, solidifying Kipling’s legacy as a voice for strength and virtue. The poem’s enduring relevance is a testament to its ability to inspire generations to uphold ideals of courage and integrity in challenging times.
There are no reviews yet.