Stanza 1:
- If you can keep your head when all around you are losing theirs and blaming you: This condition emphasizes the importance of maintaining composure and rationality even when others are panicking or placing blame.
Stanza 2:
- If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you: This condition highlights the significance of self-confidence and self-belief, even when others doubt or challenge your abilities.
Stanza 3:
- If you can wait and not be tired by waiting: This condition stresses the value of patience and persistence in achieving one's goals.
Stanza 4:
- If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools: This condition speaks about dealing with criticism and misinterpretations of your words, while still adhering to your own truth.
Stanza 5:
- If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue, Or walk with kings—nor lose the common touch: This condition highlights the importance of maintaining your authenticity and values even when dealing with different social circles or encountering powerful individuals.
Stanza 6:
- If you can fill the unforgiving minute With sixty seconds' worth of distance run: This condition emphasizes making the most of every moment and using time wisely.
Stanza 7:
- If you can lose and start again at your beginnings: This condition stresses the ability to bounce back from failures and setbacks, starting fresh with determination.
Stanza 8:
- If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew To serve your turn long after they are gone: This condition underscores the importance of perseverance and determination, even when it requires great effort.
Stanza 9:
- If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue, Or walk with Kings—nor lose the common touch: This condition emphasizes the importance of maintaining one's integrity and being true to oneself regardless of social circumstances.
Stanza 10:
- If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster, And treat those two impostors just the same: This condition highlights the need to approach both success and failure with equanimity, not allowing either one to overly influence your emotions or behaviors.
Stanza 11:
- If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools: This condition emphasizes the significance of being able to handle criticism and the misinterpretation of one's words by dishonest individuals.
Stanza 12:
- 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: This condition highlights the importance of balance and moderation, being able to dream and aspire without becoming obsessed, and treating success and failure with equanimity.
Stanza 13:
- If you can fill the unforgiving minute With sixty seconds' worth of distance run: This condition emphasizes the value of making the most of every moment and striving to achieve meaningful progress.
Stanza 14:
- If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools: This condition highlights the importance of being able to endure the misinterpretation of one's words by dishonest individuals.
By meeting these conditions, the speaker suggests that an individual can achieve personal growth, strength, and resilience in the face of challenges and obstacles.