If

Reference:

This inspiring stanza has been taken from the deductive poem “If” composed by “Rudyard Kipling”.

Context:

In this poem addressing his son he tells about the qualities which are necessary to be a good man and they are the secret of earning name and fame. They are balance of mind patience, courage, self-respect etc.

Explanation/Central Idea:

The poet tells us that we should have balance of mind trust in us and self-respect. Only seeing dreams does not work but we should change them in to action. We should not hate others. In case of failure, we should not start murmuring but try to find out reason of failure. We should not lose our virtue in the company of common people nor should we lose touch with common people if we live in the company of good people. We should not waste costly time because time once lost never returns. If we follow these golden rules, we may become a good man and a successful human being.