If—

One of the major themes addressed by Kipling’s “If—” is virtue as it relates to stoicism. The speaker of the poem advises the reader not to complain about loss and hardship, to endure pain, and to maintain strength and self-constraint.

Stoicism has its roots in ancient Greek philosophy. The Stoics believed that emotions like anger, embarrassment, and fear were negative qualities. The person who had attained moral and intellectual perfection, a “sage,” was free from these undesirable attributes. Later Stoics of the Roman Empire, such as Seneca and Epictetus, believed that to control one’s emotions and live a life of virtue would make one impervious to misfortune and unhappiness.

The reader of “If—” is advised to avoid extremes and to be modest so that they can “talk with crowds and keep [their] virtue” (Line 25) and “walk with Kings” (Line 26) without losing—nor lose the ability to get along with or appeal to ordinary people.

Readers should also be humble, and they should let go of harmful things and remain positive. The speaker advises as well to never pay attention to negative or critical people. These virtues are the pathways to success.