"If" is a poem written by Rudyard Kipling, a British author and poet who is best known for his works set in British India. The poem was first published in 1910 and has since become one of Kipling's most famous works, known for its inspirational and motivational message.
The poem is written in the form of a series of conditional statements, each beginning with the word "if." In each statement, Kipling offers advice and guidance on how to live a virtuous and honorable life. The first stanza advises the reader to "keep your head when all about you are losing theirs" and to "trust yourself when all men doubt you." This message is one of resilience and self-confidence, encouraging the reader to remain calm and composed in the face of adversity.
The second stanza advises the reader to "talk with crowds and keep your virtue" and to "walk with kings—nor lose the common touch." This message is one of balance and moderation, encouraging the reader to maintain their principles and values even when interacting with others who may have different beliefs or agendas.
The third stanza advises the reader to "fill the unforgiving minute with sixty seconds' worth of distance run" and to "neither be a borrower nor a lender." This message is one of hard work and responsibility, encouraging the reader to make the most of their time and to be self-sufficient rather than relying on others.
The fourth stanza advises the reader to "be a man my son" and to "look at things from both the sides now." This message is one of understanding and open-mindedness, encouraging the reader to consider multiple perspectives and to strive for fairness and balance in their actions.
In the final stanza, Kipling summarizes the message of the poem by stating that "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," then "you'll be a man, my son."
Overall, the message of "If" is one of personal responsibility and self-control. Kipling encourages the reader to be courageous, self-confident, and resilient in the face of adversity, and to strive for balance and fairness in their actions. He also advises the reader to be self-sufficient and to make the most of their time, and to maintain their principles and values even when interacting with others. "If" is a powerful and enduring poem that continues to inspire and motivate readers around the world.
