IF by Rudyard Kipling (A Life Changing Poem) 

My grandads favourite poem, I read it for him at his funeral. Hardest but most rewarding thing I've ever done

I learned this 70 years ago, alas I've forgotten most. A most wonderful poem.

The two things I remember the most mom told me; nothing ever goes the way you planned it and give me the flowers now, not on my grave.

I recall my father quoting this when I was a child. A brilliant man quoting a brilliant man.

Success and disaster.. "If you can treat those two imposters just the same.." Brilliant.

I just wanted to say that this poem appeared on my feed the day I was planning the route of the coward, the loss of my own hope in myself, and now I can stop thinking about it on every second I live, I stopped drinking, stopped gaming, I said no more to my addictions. I'm studying, trying, fighting for my own place. And I won't give up I promise, but whoever runs this channel on RU-vid; I just wanted to thank you. I'll for sure will never meet you and maybe this message you'll never read, but to me you're important now, and probably in years to come. You saved my life and my heart is at peace, because I am now facing my own defeat with my head up, and I'm not wearing a crown for doing so. To you, sir or madam, thank you. Edit - Jan 12: Hello everyone, I was surely not expecting my comment to gather so much attention, but I feel that I should share that I am doing way better than when I wrote this original post. I put effort into my studying, and I managed to get a scholarship, I placed effort in my body, and now I am training daily, I am not drinking at all and I wake up with energy to face off the marvel that it's a day. As Kipling will say "fill the unforgiving minute with sixty seconds of distance run". I may not be doing the whole sixty but it's way better than what I were two months ago, so to whoever reads this, please, I know you don't even know me, but don't give up, life has its own beauty but it for sure doesn't come in a silver plate. I hope you can at least give it another chance with a different perspective. And thank you everyone for your kind words. August-11: Just to keep you posted on how life under a new light can be blissful, what looked grim now looks grey and what looked grey now has light by itself. Be thankful for being here, despite all, you're alive, you're breathing and life can be enjoyed, YOU WILL FALL, TRIP, STUMBLE, that's a FACT, but the important thing is WHAT YOU DO after hitting the ground with your face. GET UP and keep moving, stop stagnation. I kept doing that, standing up, now I have a job, I live by myself, my own rules, I have shifted my life 180 degrees and 3 stories higher (my new apt is on the third floor, yes it's a rental but IT'S MY FLOOR), it's incredible what a daily routine and dedication to achieve your own goals can bring. Don't give up, I didn't, you can't, you're valuable. Stay safe, and be happy. Oct, 2023. This life is good, don't give up. I came across this video again because I felt I owed it a second hearing. And I stumbled upon my old comment. I'm on a way better place now.

"And never breathe a word about your loss " Now this is something I'm going to take back with my soul for long ...

I read this poem at my father's funeral today, and this video really helped me practice and prepare for that moment. I've been reciting the words along with the reader whilst listening to this every morning the last couple of weeks, trying to get the right tempo and learn most of it off by heart. All went well when it was my time to stand up and do it myself, so thank you for this and your other videos which have helped me through difficult times.

"If" concentrates on patience more than anything. It's the key to success and getting through hardships.

This narrator has one of the most captivating voices I’ve ever heard

This should be recited daily in schools so children learn to face challenges which grow with age.

THE GREATEST POEM EVER WRITTEN!!!!!!! IF "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!"

I have carried this poem in my wallet for over ten years now. God bless.

If you get recommended this video by RU-vid, you have found a gem.

At 18 years old this poem inspired the whole rest of my life.

This poem was given to me by my mother when I graduated 5th grade. I didnt understand it then, but as I got older and began to understand the words and the meaning of the poem, I've tried to live my life by the words of this poem. It has been the one constant source of inspiration all my life. I've passed this poem down to my 2 sons, with the hope that one day it will help them as much as it has helped me.

"If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue, Or walk with Kings - nor lose the common touch..." 👌

Truthfully, there's nothing more soothing and desirable than a young man being called "My Son!" By a wise old man...

I am in worst phase of my life , i am just 20 and stuck in cycle of failures . I start my every day with this poem . It shows me the path i need to walk on. Edit - Finally a year after this comment and thank you for all your good wishes . I had a little win . I cleared one level of my exams after trying for 2 yrs and now i can start my articleship . Still love this poem very much.

I cant believe i lived a majority of my life thinking poetry wasnt for me only to realize that its only one that speaks to the soul... I guess better now than never

One of the greatest poems ever. I have a framed copy of it. Going to hang it in the first home I buy.

We had to memorize this poem in High School in 1970 by orders of our English teacher and I managed to learn it and then speak it out.I hated doing it and I dont know why really but I did and passed.Yrs and yrs later now that Im older and wiser it makes sense of old fashioned values that I can appreciate - even tho Im not a man. Thank you.

Kipling wrote the poem in 1910 as a father's wish for his 12 year old son. 5 years later his only son died during WWI.

As an Arab poetry is an important part of our culture and for a long period of time I thought it`s impossible to find a poem in foreign language especially English ,so this poem will be in my head whenever I think about a poem in English .

My son turned 18 yesterday I sent him this poem . I have always loved this poem , now he likes it , I just wish my father done the same for me...

“If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster, and treat those two imposters just the same”

However my life goes from this point on, however short or long it may be, here’s three minutes that were well worth my time.

Memorize this poem. It’s not a difficult thing to do. Repeat it to yourself when times are hard and then again when times are grand.

"If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster And treat those two impostors just the same.. " SUPERB!! There cannot be a profounder philosophy of dealing with the highs n lows of life.. of maintaining equanimity in joys n sorrows. Thanks for the upload!

*My Dad, May God Rest His Soul, RIP, Literally lived his life by this poem. He would recite the poem verbatim It and encourage his grandchildren to learn it and live by it. The poem, IF, was read at his funeral service by his grandson.*

This poem is a Titan in the ranks of poetry and a Colossus in all the advice you can ever give a person.... distilled in its purest perfect form.

This is the poem I keep coming back to time and again for past 30 years. Now, it's picking up two lines and keeping it on your desk for a week has become a ritual. Very inspiring indeed!

Every word is so deep and worth contemplating. I’ve lived this poem, as a military officer, and it resonates with me.

I want my morning alarm saying just "wake up" in this voice and I'm sorted for the whole day.

I wish I could have shared this with my son before he left this world at the tender age of 33 years.

this has kept me alive. the unattainable demands of this beautiful beautiful wish for a son. thank you world for giving us mountains like kipling. he makes sense of a world i no longer recognize

I feel that King Mufasa is giving me advice this Christmas.

I read this poem a few days ago under the influence of Italo Marsili. Well, today I'm 25 years old and I am a Brazilian man. Therefore, just like most men in this country, I didn't have father for influence my personality or character. But I have values that my mom and my relatives gave me. I consider this poem one of the greatest poems ever and a roadmap to life. My advice to young men is: Work, serve, be strong and don't piss off. God bless your week, month, year and life. Be strong. Be grateful.

I had to memorize this poem when I misbehaved in class as a kid in elementary school. I was sent out of class for timeout and I was told I can't come back in till I had it memorized and can recite it in front of the class. Never forgot it since and I have had it hung up in my office for every job I have held for the past 20+yrs. It is an all time favorite.

This is amazing. It basically says that if you can suck it up and do all these things which seemingly, endlessly bear no triumph or relief over and over, the world is yours and you can face anything.

My English Teacher made me read this poem in class when i was just 14 years old and i didn't understand the meaning. I didn't even thought it's this deep. Now, I got to understand it my own.

This is how I fell in love with poetry, 40 years ago. And I still read it at least once a week. And I have it framed 👌

My grandfather shared this poem with my father, and my father shared this to me and my siblings. This has become part of his legacy and I will share this one day with my kids. I’ve been trying to live my life this way for the past 20 years and I’m a better man because of it. If you’re searching for meaning or in a dark place, live your life one day at a time by these worlds and you’ll create a better future for your family and loved ones

This is the most amazing and humble poem I’ve ever heard., No room for bragging, blaming, impatience, lying, hating, self doubting, and learning how to start all over again if failed. Not affecting yourself during good or bad times. Treating all the person equally. Having the same virtue regardless of the underlying situation. So much to learn !!

Theres a whole lot of self responsibility in there. Lacking in our current 2020.

What is most important that our sons see us doing these things.

Words are, of course, the most powerful drug used by mankind. - Rudyard Kipling

I listened to this poem many, many times, and the poem helps me stand a little taller .. each time I listen...thanks to a very special friend that I will always cherish.

When my whole world collapsed, I sought out this poem. Every little bit helps to heal. It is one of the greatest poems I've ever read.

I first read this poem as a 12 year old. It seemed to me to be the most perfect description of a way of life with the best reward and I have tried to live it. That was sixty years ago. By the way, I'm female.

IF you felt goosebumps while listening to this IF you understood each line IF you felt empowered - Then you are in a wonderful place.

This is a poem we should pass on to our future generations, this poem is a gem.

I believe he is showing how important balance is in ones life. Love and light Evie

Almost in tears, this poem reminds me of a very special high school teacher of mine. Mr Petty recited it so eloquently, it was put in our year book, beside his picture, and t was read at his funeral as well 🥰🥰

"'Don't give way to hating'' if just everyone followed this rule

The fact that this poem lives on one hundred years after its conception serves as a testament to how powerful it is.

This poem is more like a lion roaring Both the sound and meaning.

My grandmother cry while telling me about this poem. No barrier to knowledge from Jamaican

I totally agree with this absolutely beautiful time. Hold on, be patient, humble and always greatful for what you have and everything will be fine.

I wish more fathers teach their sons/daughters these.

Wish all fathers said this to their sons and daughters!

A friend showed me this poem, he was an old army guy so I listened when he recommended poetry. It’s helped me through tough times in my life… words to live by.

Gentleman.....To be a good man is hard, but, not impossible. It is worth the work. And worth the effort it takes. There are men who jump out of my memories. And I so loved and respected them. They are gone now, and I am old. But they are NEVER FORGOTTEN.

A copy of this poem is hanged on my reception area more than 30 thirty years after I stumbled upon this gem of a message!

My Father (he died this year) gave me a plaque with this poem etched on it when I was still a child. I have carried it with me through the years and love it as much today as I did when I first read it.

We listened to this in class today and I feel in love with it I’m not a poem person but this is art, this is beauty. Truly. Now all I do is listen to it when I feel a certain way I cannot explain but so express inside myself. This is truly a great poem along with his history of lovely poems.

This is a kind of poem that even if you don't understand every word it feels like you do.

This was on our walls in the military academy. Never paid much attention to it then, appreciate it more now.

My favorite poem. I realize it's from father to son but when my grandfather passed I sent it to my Mom and it helped her immensely. For more than a year she did everything in her power to help him be as comfortable as possible. Her brothers were a disgrace and did nothing to help even though she was far less favored by her father. It took immense strength and I was so proud of her.

This was one of the first poems I had to learn in school. I can still quote it by heart and it is still inspirational.

This is one of my favorite poems too. Reminds me how everything in life is a test of character although it can be so overwhelming. The most powerful word although the smallest is 'if'.

“Did you know that IF is the middle word in LIFE, man?”

"if you can make a heap of 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;" so profound. so deep. so moving. I wish I was made to study this poem after I saw some life like now, instead of putting it in our 10th std curriculum. I don't think 15-year-olds have the depth to understand the real meaning of this beautiful poem.

Never tire of listening to, or reading, this poem.

If this poem can replace the almost 2 decades we spend in schools learning, our perspective of life would have been way much wiser in a relatively shorter time

This piece of art of living shall be heard over and over again, learnt by heart. Oh, poetry...what a gift to all of us, it keeps our Spirit alive, like a prayer.

He lost his son in the trench warfare of World War I. Don’t know if he wrote this poem before or after, but the son’s eyesight was bad enough that it disqualified him from serving. And the son went anyway, died very shortly after reaching the front. By all accounts an exemplary officer. Kipling served on the enlistment board. In today’s world would he have wangled his son a desk job? We need more people and backbone like this in the present day.

This poem lifted me from lowest points in these past 5 years so many times.

I listen to this every morning at 5:30 am on my way to the gym and it never fails to give me goosebumps

We studied this poem in 8th grade. Never thought it has such a deep meaning. A LEGENDARY POEM BY A LEGENDARY POET ❤

I was waiting for this all my life. Thank you RedFrost Motivation. Keep up the great work.

I once recited this on Philosophy back in 2018. Now in 2022, this hits so different when all your life you only have your IFs and you just realized.

I had to memorize this in eighth grade and I'm so glad I did.

I read this poem in my 8th or 9th grade, in my English Literature textbook. I was 11 or 12 at that time, I don't understand the real meaning of this poem. But as I am in my 12th grade rn, 16 years old, went through many shits and still struggling with severe depression and anxiety, I can now say that I understand this poem very much , very deeply, as it is..

I consider this poem by Kipling to be a high gift late in life. Maybe useful earlier, but at this age I understand/appreciate the truth of it. Thank you for the upload.

The last time I experienced this poem was in high school. Now, hearing it at 46, I can feel the depth of the words so much more. There is an astute understanding now that just didn't register back then. This realization furthers my belief that anyone who doesn't relish getting older is a fool.

"And yet don’t look too good, nor talk too wise", really effective and wise words

This poem is one of the most powerful and enlightening things I've ever discovered . Don't know why only now I have sought to look at this poet ? I've been thinking constantly about HER yet I only looked into him today . After hearing the poem read it left me speechless . In the words of this one poem and the time it took to listen to it I learned more about the way she thinks than such a long time . It never ceases to amaze me how utterly BEAUTIFUL she is ! I listened to it this afternoon and I still don't know what to say ? I have been so naive . I'm so disappointed with myself and my actions it is sickening . Thinking of you now is leaving me unable to breathe . I have to back up and get out of this place or I will surely drown on mistakes made . I will leave with , AMAZING !!

These lines reminds me of my english teacher..he taught me this beautiful poetry as life lesson ..and this is the only thing which I believe and I learn to never quit the battle of life💟💟💟

I can bear to hear this poem forever I can recite it for my son who still unborn I can hear him speak with my grandkids How he became a man because of its revealing.

Love this poem. I can read between the lines. Humility, integrity , morality, stoicism, self virtues, courage, resilience ... Supportive reassuring resource.

My whole senior class had to memorize this and during our graduation had to say the whole thing. Probably the only thing from senior year in 1995 I learned inside the walls of the school I remember today in 2020.

I was a teacher, and when I had kids in for detention, I'd make them copy this poem out in handwriting. Good for girls, too.

"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"

never heard an actor in all my years of acting-pronounce every single consonant-its extraordinary....a voice is a voice-OPTIMUS PRIME!!

If only each one of us could imbibe and inculcate even one line of this remarkable poem our world would be a great and better one.

Have a copy hanging in my office, it helped get me through the darkest times of my life...and I still reflect on the words (almost) daily.

Some times words travel through time...that's the magic. How words so simple but put together so eloquently, can create a passage for those seeking answers to this crazy world. These words hit so deep and during unprecedented times, just ups the power of his words. ❤

Good grief. This poem made me cry. How beautiful.

God, I love this poem! I will never forget the day that I first read it. I was a teenager. It hit me like a thunder clap. I am now in my 40s and every time I read it, I take something new from it. I gain some new insight into it. Kipling was a brilliant man, an absolutely brilliant brilliant man. He actually did write this for his son. He never imagined it would catch on as much as it did. Tragically, his son John was killed in World War I. His lament for him is absolutely heartbreaking. This was a very well done reading.