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!

.: 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

.: p e n i s :.

"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

.: Avengance :.

.: Kipling :.
I think you people waste your time reading all of Kipling's junk, its horrible.This poem was awful, and yes they did use if one too many times. I am doing a research project on him and so far it is extremely boring, and his books and such are just the same as his life, dull.
| Posted on 2007-04-01 | by a guest
I don't know exactly what you read about Kipling's life, but it wasn't dull. I, too, am doing a research paper on Kipling and I don't know anyone who traveled around the world whose life was considered to be dull.
Also, I respect Mr. Kipling's works, which were inspired by many points in his life and earned him early fame, including several award offers. He did not accept many of these offers because he was solitaire and humble, but one of the awards offered which he declined was knighthood. If that's dull, then you need to get your nose out of the air and live life to the fullest.

| Posted on 2008-05-14 | by a guest

.: Analysis :.

IF is a poem not only expressing faith and hope for a better world, but also expressing what a child must do in order to become a man. In writing this poem in such a way, Kipling accuses males of our generation of never becoming men because they have not been able to do any of the actions he listed.

| Posted on 2008-05-14 | by a guest

.: IF :.

"IF" = Faith, that is it. All the inner perspective is what one might reflect upon if they loved themselves and humanity without sacrificing either.
Dwane L.

| Posted on 2008-05-12 | by a guest

.: IF :.

I believe that this poem is about believing in yourself and "If" you can than you are great. Just a thought.

| Posted on 2008-05-12 | by a guest

.: ... :.

When he used Man, he meant MANKIND sort of idea. And the same sort of idea with son. Some people should stop taking everything so literally...

| Posted on 2008-04-14 | by Kat Tudor

.: :.

Using the word "IF" repeatedly, it becomes his transition and keeps the reader going. He gets his point across becase of this one word "IF'. I don't see him at fault for using it repeatedly, it's a creative approach. It's different from all the other poems i'm sure most of us read.

| Posted on 2008-03-04 | by a guest

.: run for you life :.

This is a very interesting analysis of the poem. The interpretation that folks have put forward of 'unforgiving minute' is very interesting and makes a lot of sense to me having read it. All through my life though , I have thought of this quote as practical advise in contrast to the lofty virtues recommended by the body of the poem. It has always made me think of the mistakes we make- the rage our actions can bring about in others - even those whom we are very close to. To know this and in that moment to abandon the reserve of english virtue and *run* for your life.
but the idea of time as not repeating makes sense too- bit abstract for me given the visceral feeling the poem invokes....

| Posted on 2008-02-02 | by a guest

.: "If" poem :.

I love this poem it is very deep and although there are clear messages in the text there are deeping meanings within it too. Does it really matter that he writes "man" or "son". Look through this and at the meaning "you will be a man my son". What does it mean to be a man rather than a son or boy. Perhaps things like looking at the bigger picture of life looking outside your own life possibly through added responsibilities being a man compared to a son or boy. This can apply to women and g

| Posted on 2008-01-08 | by a guest

.: :.

its great poem...no doubt about that and i think that the lines if u dont make dreams ur master.and do not make u thoughts ur aim....we will be a human just baely living for the sake of living...any comments about it.

| Posted on 2007-12-18 | by a guest

.: "If" :.

I would like to say that I am currently studying this poem. What I have observed is that the poet is suggesting the reders a way of life. It is our choice to follow it. It means 'stand apart make a mark'. That is his philosophy. Though he has well defined how to control our attachment towards others. I really find this poem convincing.

| Posted on 2007-12-08 | by a guest

.: :.

"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"

I do not know when "you" went to middle school, but this poem is not a literally essay, hence the reason why he may use the word "you", "I" and "we". Poems are meant to express, the writer may even create words, if he’d like, to express himself more clearly. And, quoting my teacher after reading what you had written, "isn't it ironic how the writer (meaning you) uses the word "we" and says that the poet cannot use the word "you" while he writes?", don't be a hypocrite. And do not assume "we" all learned what you may have in middle school, because obviously, not all of us learned that you are not allowed to use the word "you" when writing poetry.I rest my case.

| Posted on 2007-11-19 | by a guest

.: :.

"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"

I do not know when "you" went to middle school, but this poem is not a literally essay, hence the reason why he may use the word "you", "I" and "we". Poems are meant to express, the writer may even create words, if he’d like, to express himself more clearly. And, quoting my teacher after reading what you had written, "isn't it ironic how the writer (meaning you) uses the word "we" and says that the poet cannot use the word "you" while he writes?", don't be a hypocrite. And do not assume "we" all learned what you may have in middle school, because obviously, not all of us learned that you are not allowed to use the word "you" when writing poetry.I rest my case.

| Posted on 2007-11-19 | by a guest

.: ... :.

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

.: If by rudyard Kipling :.

This Poem Or In Fact Observation Of Life Then ( late 1860to early 1900's ) is still valid today and should in fact be read every day to students at every school everywhere . If they object to the Lord's Prayer,the national anthem,or allegence to the flag perhaps this could fill those shoes.The use of the word (Man) refers to all mankind and is not intended to be gender specific.Similar to the way most text were written(ie) the bible often make reference to (man) but meaning all human life.

| Posted on 2007-06-06 | by a guest

.: IF :.

FOR ALL THOSE "GIRLS" WHO WOULDN'T KNOW POETRY IF KICKED THEM IN THE BUT, SHOULD SIMPLY LEARN TO APPRECIATE BEAUTY. OBVIOUSLY THEY CANNOT APPRECIATE THEMSELVES, THEREFORE, HOW COULD THEY EVER APPRECIATE SOMETHING AS WELL WRITTEN AS THIS IS. IT SOUNDS LIKE THEY HAVE ABOUT AS MUCH POETRY IN THEM AS ROSES ARE RED VIOLETS ARE BLUE. LEARN TO APPRECIATE POETRY OR SIMPLY DON'T READ IT!!!!!!!!!!

| Posted on 2007-05-08 | by a guest

.: Kipling :.

I think you people waste your time reading all of Kipling's junk, its horrible.This poem was awful, and yes they did use if one too many times. I am doing a research project on him and so far it is extremely boring, and his books and such are just the same as his life, dull.

| Posted on 2007-04-01 | by a guest

.: the poem, duh :.

I dont like how he says-"Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And---which is more---you'll be a Man, my son!"- I am a girl, not a guy.... and so are alot of other ppl..but aside from that it was OK..but he did say If too much!

| Posted on 2007-04-01 | by a guest

.: the poem, duh :.

I dont like how he says-"Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And---which is more---you'll be a Man, my son!"- I am a girl, not a guy.... and so are alot of other ppl..but aside from that it was OK..but he did say If too much!

| Posted on 2007-04-01 | by a guest

.: IF :.

Hi friends!no doubt IF by Rudyard is one of the most inspirational poems in english literature.It gives us a choice to choose between two opposites as one leads us to a right and successful path and another makes us weak and hopeless.Rudyard has beautifylly expressed how to live a fullfilling and fruitful life in a very convincing manner.
As he says in the opening of poem that no matter if everyone is doubting us,we must remain calm and try to calm others logically rather by losing our temper and giving them way to doubt us.It requires a great deal of patience but eventually it will make others realize how strong we are and they would definately be ashamed on thier behaviour.

| Posted on 2005-10-06 | by Approved Guest

.: :.

Absolutely INCREDIBLE... BY THE WAY... CHELSEA ARE THE BEST FOOTBALL TEAM EVER! MOURINHNO RULES! AND RK used metaphors to his advantage in this poem. c if u can imagine what his life was like by just reading this poem. it would make a good exercise for children when you are teaching them.
Rudyard Kipling's inspirational poem - 'If'
Rudyard Kipling's (1865-1936) inspirational poem 'If' first appeared in his collection 'Rewards and Fairies' in 1909. The poem 'If' is inspirational, motivational, and a set of rules for 'grown-up' living. Kipling's 'If' contains mottos and maxims for life, and the poem is also a blueprint for personal integrity, behaviour and self-development. 'If' is perhaps even more relevant today than when Kipling wrote it, as an ethos and a personal philosophy. Lines from Kipling's 'If' appear over the player's entrance to Wimbledon's Centre Court - a poignant reflection of the poem's timeless and inspiring quality.

The beauty and elegance of 'If' contrasts starkly with Rudyard Kipling's largely tragic and unhappy life. He was starved of love and attention and sent away by his parents; beaten and abused by his foster mother; and a failure at a public school which sought to develop qualities that were completely alien to Kipling. In later life the deaths of two of his children also affected Kipling deeply.

Rudyard Kipling achieved fame quickly, based initially on his first stories and poems written in India (he returned there after College), and his great popularity with the British public continued despite subsequent critical reaction to some of his more conservative work, and critical opinion in later years that his poetry was superficial and lacking in depth of meaning.

Significantly, Kipling turned down many honours offered to him including a knighthood, Poet Laureate and the Order of Merit, but in 1907 he accepted the Nobel Prize for Literature. Kipling's wide popular appeal survives through other works, notably The Jungle Book (1894) the novel, Kim (1901), and Just So Stories (1902).

| Posted on 2005-03-20 | by Approved Guest

.: :.

Rudyard Kipling's inspirational poem - 'If'
Rudyard Kipling's (1865-1936) inspirational poem 'If' first appeared in his collection 'Rewards and Fairies' in 1909. The poem 'If' is inspirational, motivational, and a set of rules for 'grown-up' living. Kipling's 'If' contains mottos and maxims for life, and the poem is also a blueprint for personal integrity, behaviour and self-development. 'If' is perhaps even more relevant today than when Kipling wrote it, as an ethos and a personal philosophy. Lines from Kipling's 'If' appear over the player's entrance to Wimbledon's Centre Court - a poignant reflection of the poem's timeless and inspiring quality.

The beauty and elegance of 'If' contrasts starkly with Rudyard Kipling's largely tragic and unhappy life. He was starved of love and attention and sent away by his parents; beaten and abused by his foster mother; and a failure at a public school which sought to develop qualities that were completely alien to Kipling. In later life the deaths of two of his children also affected Kipling deeply.

Rudyard Kipling achieved fame quickly, based initially on his first stories and poems written in India (he returned there after College), and his great popularity with the British public continued despite subsequent critical reaction to some of his more conservative work, and critical opinion in later years that his poetry was superficial and lacking in depth of meaning.

Significantly, Kipling turned down many honours offered to him including a knighthood, Poet Laureate and the Order of Merit, but in 1907 he accepted the Nobel Prize for Literature. Kipling's wide popular appeal survives through other works, notably The Jungle Book (1894) the novel, Kim (1901), and Just So Stories (1902).

| Posted on 2005-03-20 | by Approved Guest

.: :.

Rudyard Kipling's inspirational poem - 'If'
Rudyard Kipling's (1865-1936) inspirational poem 'If' first appeared in his collection 'Rewards and Fairies' in 1909. The poem 'If' is inspirational, motivational, and a set of rules for 'grown-up' living. Kipling's 'If' contains mottos and maxims for life, and the poem is also a blueprint for personal integrity, behaviour and self-development. 'If' is perhaps even more relevant today than when Kipling wrote it, as an ethos and a personal philosophy. Lines from Kipling's 'If' appear over the player's entrance to Wimbledon's Centre Court - a poignant reflection of the poem's timeless and inspiring quality.

The beauty and elegance of 'If' contrasts starkly with Rudyard Kipling's largely tragic and unhappy life. He was starved of love and attention and sent away by his parents; beaten and abused by his foster mother; and a failure at a public school which sought to develop qualities that were completely alien to Kipling. In later life the deaths of two of his children also affected Kipling deeply.

Rudyard Kipling achieved fame quickly, based initially on his first stories and poems written in India (he returned there after College), and his great popularity with the British public continued despite subsequent critical reaction to some of his more conservative work, and critical opinion in later years that his poetry was superficial and lacking in depth of meaning.

Significantly, Kipling turned down many honours offered to him including a knighthood, Poet Laureate and the Order of Merit, but in 1907 he accepted the Nobel Prize for Literature. Kipling's wide popular appeal survives through other works, notably The Jungle Book (1894) the novel, Kim (1901), and Just So Stories (1902).

| Posted on 2005-03-20 | by Approved Guest

.: If... :.

This is my favourite poem by Kipling, ever! I love the whole lesson within, the many roads to walk before one becomes a "man"... RK himself was a po face old get, racist, chauvinistic and a true stiff upper lip victorian gentleman, but oh, he knew how to make a good rhyme.

"If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two imposters just the same" These are my favourite lines in the piece, is he telling us to keep a straight face in times of joy, and sorrow? Or does he caution that they are not "real" feelings, considering that they are labelled "imposters"?

"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"

This brings me back to the point about stiff upper lipped gentlemen. Having the guts to take chances, and if it goes wrong, the strength to accept and learn from those mishaps without complaint... he paints a very humane picture, one that I find I can relate to very well, as these are the virtues I wish to call my own.

"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!" "
Here he speaks of strength, and bravery and will... qualities that should be, but sadly are not, present in all wo/men. I think that his career in the British Army, that took him to India, was quite imperative to the formation of his character. The fact that he says "If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone" speaks to me of battlefields, and having already given all you have got, only to call on your own reserves to give even more and hold on longer.
Maybe that's already obvious, but I find that Kipling's work is quite like the Man he paints in this piece, honest and true, with little in the way of hidden depths.

Having read "Gunga Din" about a flunky who served him in India, and reading of the unusual bond between the two men, one an officer in the BA and the other an indian water-bearer, I feel that he was qualified to state
"If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with Kings---nor lose the common touch"
As his poetry made him famous in the UK and on return he would have been treated like royalty and moved in the highest social circles.

However, I find that the best lines of the poem itself, not my favourite lines, but the most important points, are to be found at the end;
"If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run"

If we can make the most of every moment of this life, even in the hard times as well as the good, with what we call our best, then the Earth is ours, for we have earned our place... and if we can live up to all the stipulations... we'll be a man.

I think Good Men were highly regarded in this era, and I thank Kipling for explaining so succinctly just what it WAS that made Men.

| Posted on 2004-08-27 | by Learah