If - Rudyard Kipling
The poem “If” is
a beautiful insight into human intelligence. In short, it is a little advice on
how to become successful and wise in the practical world around us. Kipling
describes the virtues of a perfect man. The witty use of words inspires our
minds and souls. The poem “If” can also be viewed as a scene in which a father
is speaking to his son and giving him the most valuable life lesson on how to
become a complete man. The token of personal philosophy and wisdom which the
father imparts to his son has universal validity.
The poet advises possessing the following
qualities to become a perfect man. He should maintain the calm [keep his head] during
times of crisis. He demands him to show some courage when others are
"losing" their heads and "blaming" him. He should persistently
move forward. When people doubt and hate him, he must not hate others. He
should neither lie nor pose to be wise. Here the poet emphasizes the importance
of patience and acknowledgement of the truth.
He encourages him to
dream without daydreaming. He appreciates the thinking and creativity of new
ideas but does not like useless thoughts. He considers that "Triumph and
Disaster" are not real and they are "impostors". Therefore, he
must treat them equally. Self-faith is a virtue which Kipling puts forward with
high regard. However, the poet warns him against getting over-confident. It is important to remain
humble and live with pride. At times, people will twist his statements and
truths and fool him or set up "a trap" for him. He should not worry
and face everything calmly and wisely. He must not deal with lies even if the
people around him are spreading lies.
When he meets
with great losses, he should use his tools to rebuild his life with them. A
victorious person does not become successful by virtue of a single step, he has
to try again and again and in these attempts of failure, he would attain
success. But he should have patience in life since patience is the virtue of
success.
He may
move with crowds but should not lose his virtue. He may move with kings or
powerful people but should not lose touch with ordinary people. He should treat
all with respect. He should value time and make the best use of every minute.
The poet
in his poem is providing an inspirational insight for the readers to remain
humble, soft, and tender and avoid the extremes. If a man fulfils all the
conditions listed by him, he will inherit the earth and get everything in life.
He will be a real, perfect man.
and Mano Guide
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