The tragedy of a poem, sage words from a father to his young son, only for the son’s life to be cut short by the horrors of war. Thrown into grief, and forced to rely on the wisdom he had hoped to instill in his boy, the author came to see that not all was lost – a poem written from a father to his son grew into guidance from all Fathers to all Sons.
Imagine writing a poem so profound, that a verse is still inscribed in Earth’s most famous tennis venue, Wimbledon’s Centre Court, more than a century after it was written, and nearly 90 years after your death. So inspirational, the first stanza is memorialized in granite setts in the promenade of the village where you resided during college. Framed in Military Academies, recited by students, and lauded by Dukes, the wisdom of Rudyard Kipling’s “If—”
- If— Poem
- Kipling’s Life and the Tragedy if “If—”
- The Wisdom of “If—” and Its Reflections in Other Works
- Applying Kipling’s Wisdom in Modern Times
- Reception of “If-” by the Public and Notable Figures
- Conclusion
If—
by Rudyard Kipling
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!
Rudyard Kipling, one of the most beloved British authors, is often remembered for his mastery in storytelling and poetry. Among his vast repertoire, the poem “If—” stands as a beacon of wisdom, resonating deeply with readers across generations. The relevance of this poem is not just in its literary brilliance but also in the personal echoes of Kipling’s life and the universal truths it encapsulates.
Kipling’s Life and the Tragedy of “If—”
Born in 1865 in Bombay, British India, Kipling’s life was marked by a unique blend of cultural influences and personal challenges. The son of a sculptor and pottery designer, Kipling was sent to England for his education, a common practice for British families in India. His formative years in England were difficult, marred by the harsh treatment he received at the boarding house where he lived.
The specific impetus for “If—” is often linked to Kipling’s admiration for Dr. Leander Starr Jameson, a British colonial statesman and leader of the ill-fated Jameson Raid. The poem, written in 1895, reflects Kipling’s respect for Jameson’s stoicism and resilience in the face of failure and adversity. The qualities extolled in “If—”—courage, patience, humility, and integrity—are ones Kipling saw embodied in Jameson and strived to emulate in his own life.
Despite the inspiration coming from Jameson, the poem is addressed Rudyard’s only son, John. John was young when “If—” was written, and 13 years of age when it was finally published. Though he was young, it is clear that his father wanted him to reach the summit of his potential by heeding the wise words that were meant for him: be confident but not vain, be resilient and unafraid to start over, maintain the inner compass despite any circumstances.
With the sagacity of his father’s words propelling him, John was undoubtedly headed towards greatness. However, he was barely able to fly the coop to put his instilled virtue to practice when he was declared MIA in France during the Battle of Loo against the Germans – later to be declared KIA. He had just celebrated his 18th birthday the month before. John’s sense of duty and morality, fueled by his father’s wisdom, saw the German’s actions in The Great War for what they were – barbaric power grabs – and he refused to stand on the sidelines to allow that to happen.
Rudyard, distraught at the loss of his son and the fact that he had advocated and facilitated John’s commission, was thrust into the very words meant for his departed son – “If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster, and treat those two imposters just the same:.” Stephen Adly Guirgis’ quote “No parent should ever have to bury a child” rings true, but despite his heartache, the Poet carried on; using the suffering of his lot to fuel his work, not break, him.
The Wisdom of “If—” and Its Reflections in Other Works
“If—” is structured as paternal advice, encapsulating a series of conditional statements that culminate in the ultimate reward: “you’ll be a Man, my son!” The poem is a blueprint for personal conduct, promoting virtues that are timeless and universal.
Stoicism and Emotional Control: Kipling advises to “keep your head when all about you are losing theirs.” This mirrors the Stoic philosophy of maintaining equanimity regardless of external chaos, as articulated by philosophers like Marcus Aurelius in “Meditations.”
Persistence and Resilience: The lines “If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster / And treat those two impostors just the same” reflect the Buddhist teaching of detachment from both success and failure. This wisdom can also be found in contemporary works like Viktor Frankl’s “Man’s Search for Meaning,” which emphasizes finding purpose and resilience amidst suffering.
Integrity and Honesty: Kipling’s call to “be honest, even when others deceive you” aligns with ethical principles found in religious texts like the Bible and the Bhagavad Gita, advocating for unwavering moral integrity.
Applying Kipling’s Wisdom in Modern Times
The principles laid out in “If—” are remarkably pertinent today. In an era characterized by rapid technological advancements and socio-political upheavals, the ability to maintain composure and integrity is invaluable.
Leadership and Management: For those in leadership roles, Kipling’s advice to “keep your head” and maintain honesty is critical. Effective leaders are those who can navigate crises with calm and make decisions that are ethically sound.
Personal Development: On an individual level, the poem encourages self-reliance and resilience. In the face of personal setbacks, remembering that triumphs and disasters are “impostors” can foster a healthier perspective on success and failure.
Mental Health: The modern emphasis on mental well-being finds echoes in Kipling’s advice to stay balanced and composed. Practices like mindfulness and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) reflect the poem’s wisdom in managing emotions and stress.
Reception of “If—” by the Public and Notable Figures
“If—” was received with widespread acclaim upon its publication, becoming one of Kipling’s most famous works. It was particularly lauded for its universal appeal and practical wisdom. The poem has been quoted and referenced by numerous notable figures and institutions.
Winston Churchill found inspiration in its verses, which helped him maintain resolve during World War II.
Nelson Mandela, during his imprisonment on Robben Island, is said to have derived strength from the poem’s message of endurance and resilience.
Educational Institutions: The poem has been included in school curricula worldwide, cherished as a moral compass for young minds.
In 1995, a BBC poll declared “If—” the United Kingdom’s favorite poem, further cementing its place in the literary and cultural canon.
Conclusion
Rudyard Kipling’s “If—” transcends its time, offering wisdom that is as relevant today as it was over a century ago. Its counsel on maintaining integrity, resilience, and emotional control provides a timeless guide for personal conduct. As we navigate the complexities of the modern world, the poem’s enduring appeal lies in its universal truths, serving as a beacon of wisdom and inspiration for all.
