Thoughts on Rudyard Kiplings "If"

DavidByron2 · 2021-09-29T19:00:44+00:00

Oh it's 100% serious.

one cannot be surprised if the result is a bunch of cold-hearted jerks.

That seems to violate these lines:

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;

Nath43673 · 2021-09-29T23:25:18+00:00

It may be that this form of aspirational motivation just doesn't work for you, and that's ok. I'd put myself in that basket too.

The emphasis on the triumph of the virtuous individual is typical of the modern era, but not necessarily typical of other eras in history. Also, this poem does not set out any actionable steps to reach these character goals.

quietlurk10 · 2021-09-29T21:07:47+00:00

A poem I return to often in my times of doubt. Full of good virtues and standards to aspire to.

maxlvb · 2021-09-29T21:55:54+00:00

If men (or people in general, for that matter), are expected to be this stoic, one cannot be surprised if the result is a bunch of cold-hearted jerks.

Please explain (how you reach this conclusion)

Men need feminism like bicycles need fish.

locks_are_paranoid · 2021-09-29T21:50:12+00:00

This is the first time I've heard of this poem.

Title	Thoughts on Rudyard Kiplings "If"
Author	gnuban
Upvotes	3
Comments	7
Date	September 29, 2021 4:53 PM UTC (4 years ago)
Subreddit	Posted in /r/MensRights
Original Link	https://old.reddit.com/r/MensRights/comments/pxzkma/thoughts_on_rudyard_kiplings_if/
Archive Link	https://theredarchive.com/r/MensRights/thoughts-on-rudyard-kiplings-if.1073537 https://theredarchive.com/post/1073537

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