

#2514
Mentioned in 11 episodes
If
Book • 1910
Written in 1896 and first published in 1910, 'If—' is a poem that advises on how to rise above adversity and live a life of integrity.
The speaker, addressing his son, outlines various scenarios and virtues necessary to 'be a Man,' including the ability to keep one's head in chaos, trust oneself despite doubt, and treat triumph and disaster equally.
The poem is structured as a series of conditional 'if' clauses leading to a final 'then' clause, emphasizing a quintessentially British brand of stoicism and the importance of maintaining a strong will and moral character.
The speaker, addressing his son, outlines various scenarios and virtues necessary to 'be a Man,' including the ability to keep one's head in chaos, trust oneself despite doubt, and treat triumph and disaster equally.
The poem is structured as a series of conditional 'if' clauses leading to a final 'then' clause, emphasizing a quintessentially British brand of stoicism and the importance of maintaining a strong will and moral character.
Mentioned by
























Mentioned in 11 episodes
Recited by 

as advice from a father to a son.


Lex Fridman

626 snips
#277 – Andrew Huberman: Focus, Stress, Relationships, and Friendship
Mencionado por 

, quien recuerda un poema de este autor que su abuelo tenía enmarcado en casa.


Jaime Rodríguez de Santiago

39 snips
#219 Receta para una vida miserable
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

for its depiction of hardiness and virtue.

Eric Kahn

13 snips
Courage, Leadership, & the Legacy of Chesty Puller: Lessons in Masculine Strength & Ambition
Mentioned by 

and 

as an example of didactic poetry.


Ryan Holiday


Allie Esiri

Allie Esiri On the Power of Poetry and Daily Reads
Mentioned by Roger Stone who then recites the poem.

Alex Jones 2025-Jul-22 Tuesday
Mentioned by 

in the context of William James's philosophy and its connection to the question of life's meaning.


Brett McKay

#576: A Treasure Trove of American Philosophy
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as a brilliant version of Sappho's work.

Natalie Haynes

Sappho
Mentioned by 

in relation to his poem "If" and its connection to Dr. Leander Starr Jameson.


Tim Harford

The Coup, the Poet and the Secret to Winning Wimbledon
Mentioned by 

as a message to both children and parents, emphasizing patience, resilience, and self-trust.


Ryan Holiday

This Is What You’ll Have To Manage
Mentioned by 

during the opening of podcast episode 140.


Jocko Willink

140: "If", by Rudyard Kipling: Analyzed. Not Liking to Fight. Personal Intelligence. Giving Tactful Feedback.
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as an example of good, bad art.

Spencer Clavin

White-Collar Bots
Mentioned by 

to illustrate how to respond to life's ups and downs.


Ryan Holiday

You Must Meet It All the Same
Mentioned by 

as a book he read in his youth that inspired his journaling practice.


Blake Mycoskie

Blake Mycoskie: The More You Give, The More You Live
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as the author of the poem “If”.

Evie Botello

Property Tax Scams, Big Pharma Schemes, and Political Clashes
Mentioned by Jillian as a poem that meets you where you are.

Finding Calm in Chaos: Manifest Your Inner Peace
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as a poem they play in the Corinthia's toilets.

James Sinclair

£125k/Month Engineering Business but Family Dynamics Are Tough (4k)
Mentioned by 

as a poem about toughness, virtue, honor, and duty, focusing on one particular line about giving your all.


Ryan Holiday

Can You Teach Them to Give It Their All?
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as a role model in poem form.

Rory Mackenzie

Getting to know Voyage Loyalty, The Loyalty Programme for Seafarers (#655)
Mentioned by 

as a source of inspiring poems for his children.


Ryan Holiday

How To Change Your Mindset and Transform Your Life with Ryan Holiday #171
Mentioned by 

while discussing the use of music in film and television.


Mark Ellen

Withering reviews of famous albums, Jaws versus Jeeves and the genius of Blondie’s Clem Burke