"If...." by Rudyard Kipling

A reading of Kipling's popular poem of advice on how to be a man which should be taken with a pinch of salt.

I recorded this poem again - try the video response.

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• If
• Rudyard
• Kipling
• advice
• poem
• poetry

[IBAMANC]

england will be playing 4-4 fucking 2

[kurupt23987]

The poem sets an intentionally impossible standard, that's the point of it. It's not wise and truthful nor self deceiving and unrealistically optimistic.

It summises the struggle that is being a good person, being a person worthy of respect. You're expected to fail, anyone that succeeds is actually a fool; the important thing is that you try and you keep trying. How well you do is almost irrelevant, as long as you try.

[facelikedog]

This poem reminds me of Ron Paul.

[mick79111]

@kurupt23987 For me its about winning the internal battles, Most people struggle with something, I like to think that it means if you can win one thing, that is a triumph for yourself. You have proved yourself to a small degree to you. Achievment is what society places upon everyone.

[flabbanoonga]

This is why I joined the military.

[PoetryNext]

@Icequeen1962 hahah lol

[Icequeen1962]

and which is more you will be a WOMAN my daughter.

[Cerebralator]

@belzondium Me too. Truly inspiring.

[sherlockholmes88]

@daddio7777777 Hear Hear!

[BlueSkyeCloudyDay]

@daddio7777777 and girl.

[TheJayEffkay]

thanks rudyard - for these Eternally Wise and great words

im just in awe of this piece

[cypher5455]

@spokenverse

It is easier to dismiss this poem as impractical and live in arrogance and selfishness than it is to strive toward it's message however inevitably impossible it may be. Reaching for what is noble makes everyone better wether successful or not. This poem attempts to answer "what would God do?" whomever your God may be.