Poetry – IF

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 all on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breath 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!

— Rudyard Kipling

Meaning of the poem “IF” by Rudyard Kipling

Rudyard Kipling’s poem “If—” is a timeless piece of literature that resonates with readers across generations. Published in 1910, it forms part of Kipling’s collection “Rewards and Fairies.” The poem stands as a beacon of guidance, offering advice on how to live with dignity, resilience, and moral rectitude. Through a series of conditional statements, Kipling outlines the virtues necessary for personal development and leadership.

The Structure and Style of “If—”

The poem is structured in four stanzas, each consisting of eight lines. Kipling employs a consistent rhythmic pattern and a simple rhyme scheme, making the poem accessible and memorable. The use of the conditional “if” at the beginning of most lines serves as a rhetorical device to introduce the qualities and behaviors that lead to ultimate success, defined in the final lines.

A Deep Dive into the Meaning

The overarching theme of “If—” is the development of character traits that lead to becoming a well-rounded and grounded individual. Kipling speaks directly to the reader, offering wisdom on navigating life’s challenges with grace. The poem is a masterclass in stoicism, emphasizing balance, emotional regulation, and resilience.

Stoicism and Emotional Regulation

Kipling advises the reader to remain composed both in triumph and disaster, suggesting that neither success nor failure should disturb one’s emotional equilibrium. This stoic philosophy underscores the importance of detachment from extreme emotions, advocating for a balanced response to life’s unpredictability.

Resilience and Perseverance

The poem also highlights the virtues of resilience and perseverance. Kipling encourages the reader to face setbacks and hardships without losing heart. By advising to “build ’em up with worn-out tools,” he champions the spirit of never giving up, even when faced with significant obstacles.

Integrity and Humility

Integrity and humility emerge as central themes, with Kipling advising against lying and hating, and warning against becoming too conceited in success. The poem suggests that true leaders maintain their principles and treat those around them with respect, regardless of their own achievements or failures.

Balance and Leadership

Finally, “If—” serves as a guide to leadership. Kipling outlines a blueprint for the qualities of a true leader: someone who can dream and think without being dominated by those thoughts, meet with triumph and disaster equally, and take risks without being consumed by a fear of loss. The ultimate reward for embodying these virtues, as Kipling concludes, is the Earth and everything in it, symbolizing fulfillment and mastery over oneself.

Summary and Reflection

Rudyard Kipling’s “If—” is more than just a poem; it is a philosophical guide to life and leadership. It encapsulates the virtues of stoicism, resilience, integrity, humility, and balance. By adhering to the principles outlined in the poem, individuals can navigate the complexities of life with grace and strength, ultimately achieving personal and professional success. “If—” remains a powerful reminder of the enduring relevance of moral character in a changing world.