If Analysis

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!

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Btw, this poem was written by Kipling because he was inspired by George Washington who was a true leader. He wanted his son to be just like him, a leader , or at least a Man. He dedicated this poem to his son that's why in the last line he writes "You'll be a Man, my son!". In this poem he points out all the qualities of a leader.

| Posted on 2009-11-12 | by a guest

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"If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds worth of distance run"
In these lines the poet says that the common man counts time in minutes, but a leader (or man) counts time in seconds. To a leader (or man) every second is valuable, and he should make use of all the 60 seconds in a minute.

| Posted on 2009-11-12 | by a guest

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The "Triumph and Disaster" line is a classic, one that I have thought of many times in life since I first read this. We shouldn't let success turn our heads, and we shouldn't let failure discourage us, because both have these things in common: neither is absolute nor lasting.

| Posted on 2009-10-28 | by a guest

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the poem if by rudyard kipling is a great poem to teach about self confidence, although the main motto i get from it is- dont let others make decisions for you just because they think your decision is wrong. For me, this is a major theme

| Posted on 2009-10-25 | by a guest

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DONT READ THIS !!!I KNOW THIS IS VERY SCARY BUT ITS TRUE !! NOW YOU HAVE STARTED READING !!! IF YOU POST THIS COMMENT ON FIVE OTHER SITES AND PRESS f4 YOUR CRUSH'S NAME WILL APPEAR IN CAPITAL LETTERS!!!! BELIEVE ME IT WORKS!!!!

| Posted on 2009-10-23 | by a guest

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The explanations were good.I understood the whole poem now.i had a complain that some must not say it boring.and there is no central idea .therefore, I GOT ANGRY

| Posted on 2009-10-11 | by a guest

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This is thoughtful and didactic poem written by Rudyard Kipling.
This poem takes us through many situations of life and how we should deal with them. The first Stanza talks about our self-confidence. I says we should believe in ourselves when we our doubted. We should also consider the doubting as there may be a fault in us. We should not give into lies when we are being lied about or hate those who hate us. We should be humble at the same time we must not look too good or wise.
The second Stanza is about the fact that we should be as we our and not let thoughts master our mind. we should not let our dreams interfere with reality. We should take Success and Failure as the same as the aim of both of them is to change our life. Success can make over-confidence and other related feelings get into our head whereas defeat while lower our morale and confidence we may not want do something again. Further it says one should not give into the traps set up for fools by cunning people. We should not give into hopelessness when our dream world breaks. Instead we should bend down use the remainder and the worn out tools to start once again.
The third stanza conveys that if one has collected all their experience, money, wisdom, etc. and have risked it all on one worthwhile adventure and we lose we should not say anything about our loss and should instead go on and start from the beginning to gain back all that we have lost. If our physical and mental strength is exhausted then we should just hold-on and should not lose our will power. When there is nothing inside a person they should just hold on to courage, will,-power, confidence as these our the things which will provide us support.
The third Stanza says that one should not lose their virtue while interacting with the common crowds. Whereas at the same time should keep their state of mind and coolness when interacting with great people like Kings. We must not be affected by the love of friends and hatred of enemies. We must not give somebody extra attention nor should we ignore anybody. If one could fill every minute of our life with a worth wile activity.
If a person has all these virtues then he/she is the true master of the Earth and will become a man/woman in the actual sense.
I actually came to this site to find more hints and tips on this poem for myself but I did not find anything so i posted something who people could read who come later!!!

| Posted on 2009-09-22 | by a guest

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It was an inspring poem. we must have integrity and never lose hope to succeed. if we could just strive hard for our goal, maybe we could overcome every struggles in our life.
- kathleen dela pena

| Posted on 2009-09-09 | by a guest

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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!
I think the filling the unforgiving minute with a minutes worth of distance run is about not panicking...staying cool under pressure, instead of "sprinting" or "panicking" even though you only have a minute, you will not panic, but take your time, you will not become a prisoner to the time constraint!

| Posted on 2009-08-03 | by a guest

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i plan on getting a tattoo soon with the quote, "if you can meet with Triumph and Disaster and treat those two imposters just the same...." because this poem means so much to me. a poster of the poem hangs on my wall. i'm a girl, and obviously this poem isn't just on how to become a man, but how to become a strong, fighting individual - no matter the gender. there will always be adversary and differing sides to every situation, but this poem inspires one to think of the outcome, and which way to go about grasping what you need to survive. there's a certain mindset that everyone should strive to achieve, and this poem is basically a mapped out course of life, and how to achieve everything powerful. i'm absolutely in love with this poem. i heard about it first when i read that it was spoken at ayn rand's funeral (and she happens to be my ultimate favorite writer ever). and at any time i feel i'm going through a difficult course, or if i don't know what action to take, i think of "if" and it teaches me how to be a better version of myself.

| Posted on 2009-07-27 | by a guest

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this is a very good poem it tell us about that you can face any problem in your life u shoud now how to face it and you can be a very good person in your life and a confidence man.

| Posted on 2009-07-05 | by a guest

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this is very intresting poem ,in this poem the poet means to give advice to his son,when people blame someone without any reason ,don't lose hope,be hopefull.please read this poem and try to understand its meaning

| Posted on 2009-06-28 | by a guest

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WHAT'S IF AND WHAT'S NOT
=
Love your world and find a lovable world!
All you need is in you!

| Posted on 2009-06-13 | by a guest

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Nodout "If" inspires one even if one is an adult. The high standard set for manhood or maturity is too hard to achieve. It is pretty simple language used; a new world opens before one striving for perfection. It gives a simle guideline to follow; and concise too. I however wonder what he mean by saying 'unfogiving minute' and how the 'unfogiving minute' can be filled with 'sixty seconds of distance run'.

| Posted on 2009-06-13 | by a guest

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It's funny, I read this poem on a huge state test, and it seriously struck a chord with me. I think it says a lot about maturity & growing up & going through many different stages. Atleast that's my interpretation of it. Also, poetry shouldn't be one big argument...everyone has an opinion, & everyone sees things differently. Anyway, this poem is very inspiring & I love it. (:

| Posted on 2009-06-04 | by a guest

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I think that what actually makes this poem so beautiful is that there is no right way to interpret it as it deals with so many aspects of life that it relates to the current situation you are in when reading the poem or when it was first read. I think the poem has a tendency to adapt as you do. It can mean an infinite number of things and it is all how you as an individual want to interpret them. That, i think, is the real message behind the poem.

| Posted on 2009-05-31 | by a guest

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DONT READ THIS !!!I KNOW THIS IS VERY SCARY BUT ITS TRUE !! NOW YOU HAVE STARTED READING !!! IF YOU POST THIS COMMENT ON FIVE OTHER SITES AND PRESS f4 YOUR CRUSH'S NAME WILL APPEAR IN CAPITAL LETTERS!!!! BELIEVE ME IT WORKS!!!!

| Posted on 2009-04-15 | by a guest

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this poem had a great influence in my life for it tells how a person should be. i'm a girl, and some people here thinks that this poem is only for boys becoming men. i totally disagree with that. men can also be a word for all the people in the world .
however taking the meaning by gender is hopefully not the idea the poet had in mind..

| Posted on 2009-04-15 | by a guest

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I am writing an essay on If and on the more poetic side, would some devices used be: repetition, punctuation (to emphasize important words) and metaphors (example Triumph= a metaphor for how triumph can take over a person)?

| Posted on 2009-04-07 | by a guest

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He does not say "if" too much, it's repetition and it makes it a good poem. Also I think it would sound a little ridiculous if he said "And---which is more---you'll be a Man or Woman, my son or daughter!"
I feel like some of you sound like 6th graders in your explications of this poem. I think this poem has a lot of poetic value, and I agree it is one of the best poems ever written. If you are going to criticize it at least have a good argument and know a little bit about poetry. I'm sorry I just couldn't help myself.
But anyways, regardless if it is about a country or a boy or whatever else, it contains a universal message of growing up and maturity. This poem sums up almost everything we must overcome in life. It contains many religious teachings as well as simple everyday lessons we must learn. Bravo Rudyard!

| Posted on 2009-03-25 | by a guest

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No, you guys are way off. This poem is not about a boy's maturation process, but a country's--England's to be exact.

| Posted on 2009-03-19 | by a guest

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I think this poem is really presented well...very well explained,the aspect of how to become a worthy man,woman or child in life

| Posted on 2009-03-10 | by a guest

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I think the appeal of the work is that it carries universal truth and experience. It is simply written and can be understood by almost anyone. Kipling suffered much difficulty in his life and this is obvious in the work. Who among us has not suffered disappointment and at times defeat? I believe the struggle to carry on in the face of such adversity with dignity and humility is the central theme of the poem.
Hrach Mooradian

| Posted on 2009-03-08 | by a guest

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"If",
this is a very beautiful poem of Rudyard kipling. It encourages us to be self confidence and fait on ownself. I am still reading this poem and i think this poem will be one of the most work ful reading in my life. Now after reading this poem, one will get a lesson not to loose heart and kick the obstacles on the way towards success.
Roshan Puri

| Posted on 2009-03-01 | by a guest

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That would be a little more on the "Poetic" side. However, the truth is; “If” was written in 1895 when Kipling had no son, only one 3 year old daughter, Josephine.
His second daughter Elsie was born one year after “If” in 1896. Kiplings only son was born in 1897, some two years after “If” was written.
According to Kipling in his autobiography “Something of Myself”, posthumously published in 1937, the poem was inspired by Dr Leander Starr Jameson, who in 1895 led a raid by British forces against the Boers in South Africa, subsequently called the Jameson Raid. This defeat increased the tensions that ultimately led to the Second Boer War. The British press, however, portrayed Jameson as a hero in the middle of the disaster, and the actual defeat as a British victory.

| Posted on 2009-03-01 | by a guest

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Just to bring to light one of the reasons Rudyard Kipling wrote this poem... The usage of the word "you" is directly related to the fact that he initially wrote this poem for his own son. This poem was a summation of his life lessons, and points he wished to pass along to his own son.
It is from his own son, that the world gets to benefit from this poem. It is easily one of the best poems ever written, and one of my personal favorites.

| Posted on 2009-02-09 | by a guest

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This is a beautiful poem.
I came across the link when searching for ideas for my university course, as our first task is based around this poem.
I've been having quite a rough time with life and this has really made me smile. It's going to help a lot with getting myself back on track and waking up to reality.
I enjoyed reading how everyone interpreted the poem and what everyone gets from different sections. A great help, thankyou very much.

| Posted on 2009-01-19 | by a guest

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:O
this is the heart of all poems the best of the best
my heart melts when i read this because its one of the best
examples of faith
dont forget that he want love so much because its the closest
thing we have to magic, just believe in it

| Posted on 2009-01-04 | by a guest

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im not one for poetry but this poems has truly inspired me. you need to read beyond the ink in order to see the beauty of it's meaning. im not critizing anyone who doesn't like this poem b/c everyone has their own opinion but reading this poem, makes me think of the world and who i am in a whole different perspective.

| Posted on 2008-12-15 | by a guest

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im not one for poetry but this poems has truly inspired me. you need to read beyond the ink in order to see the beauty of it's meaning. im not critizing anyone who doesn't like this poem b/c everyone has their own opinion but reading this poem, makes me think of the world and who i am in a whole different perspective.

| Posted on 2008-12-15 | by a guest

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I personally think that this poem is really amazing and as one of the people who posted " it's a map to life" And as for the people who said that Mr. Kipling is dull and called his works "junk" I think you go listen to britney spears and judge her lyrics 'cause this poetry is too good for you. Micheal

| Posted on 2008-12-03 | by a guest

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The message of “If,” although it may sound generic, is an inspirational one— it is a message of perseverance and determination. Throughout the poem, situations are described that all relate to the theme of self-belief and perseverance. The first line of the first stanza reads, “If you can keep your head when all about you/Are losing theirs and blaming it on you.” This line fundamentally sums up the entire message of the poem. Believe in yourself and never capitulate to those around you. Second, the message also is not just standing firm and never budging, but doing so while all odds are against you and all circumstances point to stoppage and letdown, as well as having self-confidence and belief in one’s abilities. The first two lines of the second stanza read, “If you can dream - and not make dreams your master; /If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim,” imply a nimbleness in one’s resolve and fortitude; that is to say, standing firm whilst keeping a goal in mind, and not allowing one’s self to get distracted. Next, the first four lines of the third stanza read, “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 breath a word about your loss,” suggesting that willpower and determination are a stipulation even after fiasco or a loss. Even when all is lost, never cede, but build back up with what you have. Lastly, the first two lines of the final stanza read, “If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue/Or walk with kings - nor lose the common touch,” stating that one can keep their origins in mind and never get too big. They keep integrity and never put themselves above others.
And BTW, to everyone irritated at idiots criticizing this poem, just know that they are shallow and uninterested in deep works that aren't about MTV or farts.

| Posted on 2008-11-21 | by a guest

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I think that each stanza represents something
1st stanza-believe in yourself/self confidence
2nd stanza-do not lose touch with reality
3rd stanza-if you risk everything then start again and you must do your best even you are tired
4th stanza-have integrity
"
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same"
That means triumph it may be good but if it get in to your head you will be too boastful and for disaster if it will be too unbearable for you.You might be scared of doing things you that you will succeed but are to deprived of doing so.

| Posted on 2008-11-17 | by a guest

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this is the best poem i have ever heard..
its really got me thinking.. i love you!! :)
by. Mindi Grisham

| Posted on 2008-11-11 | by a guest

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This has got to be one of the best poems of all times.
The first verse explains self confidence and self love and about not letting others provoque you.
The second verse is about overcoming obsatulesthat get in your path, whether by others, or of your own making. Follow your dreams, but be realistic in the approach. I believe this section is teaching perseverance, to keep going, even when things get rough. believe the most important lesson in the third section is to never give up! It is truly hard to get back up after life has beaten you into the ground. It can be done though, if we always believe in ourselves and know that we did it once so we can do it again! This is a very important lesson, and one that we all should take to heart. Kipling knew how hard life can sometimes be, and I think this section of the poem is full of hope for all of us.
The last section has two important lessons. First, that we are all equal. Don't put yourself above anyone else, but know that you are just as good as everyone else. There are things to be admired in almost everyone if you look hard enough. The second lesson I take from this section, is to never waste time. Make every minute of every day count!
These are certainly lofty standards, but one's that we should try our best to attain. Read the poem, and really pay attention to what it's saying. See if you are doing all of the positive things he describes. If not, work on it. I believe this poem is a road map to life, and we just have to learn to read the signs.

| Posted on 2008-11-09 | by a guest

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IF is a great poem. I printed a copy and left it on my son's pillow on his eigthteenth birthday.
T

| Posted on 2008-09-22 | by a guest

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I think RK's 'If' is a beautiful poem. It gives us a deep insight into human qualities and virtues. It teaches us how to grow up and if you have all the qualities mentioned you'll be a true man (or woman)

| Posted on 2008-09-08 | by a guest

.: Get Reality :.

It is scary how far some of you have disappeared up your own arses pontificating on the meanings. Whatever it means to you is what it means, nothing else.
get a grip folks.

| Posted on 2008-06-03 | by a guest

.: If :.

Are we no longer studying the concept of "PLACING" in dialog on generational analysis in our Universities?

| Posted on 2008-05-26 | by a guest

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"i would like to bring up the point that didn't all through middle school and high school we learn never to use "you" while writing? "you" was the antichrist in my schools. and there kipling goes all "if you... if you... if you" why is this poem concidered to be so good???
| Posted on 2007-09-05 | by a guest"
YOU are an ignoramus.
YOU do not understand Kipling
YOU should stick to nursery rhymes
the reason YOU were always discouraged from using 'you' in middle school was because YOU probably used it incorrectly, instead of 'one'
Kipling uses you, because his poem is a direct challenge to the reader, he is explicitly and expressly communicating his criteria for a worthy life to the reader and so needs to address him or her directly.
who the hell are you criticize Kipling, while fallaciously asserting some very simple, very plain high school rule that your teachers instilled in you during some desperate yet obviously vain attempt to remove the vestiges of illiteracy and idiocy from your essays.

| Posted on 2008-05-19 | by a guest