"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 meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same;**
If you can 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!"
Meaning:
The line emphasizes the importance of maintaining humility and empathy even when achieving great success or power.
* "Walk with Kings" signifies reaching a position of high status or achieving great things.
* "Nor lose the common touch" emphasizes the need to remain grounded and connected to ordinary people, despite one's success.
The message is that true greatness is not about power or privilege alone, but about how you carry yourself in the face of success and failure. It is about treating everyone with respect and understanding, regardless of their social standing.
Kipling's poem "If" is a widely quoted and admired piece of literature that offers advice on how to live a virtuous and fulfilling life. The line "walk with kings - nor lose the common touch" is a powerful reminder of the importance of humility and compassion, even when we reach the pinnacle of success.