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.
This collection is a day-by-day guide that illuminates the path of a life worth living. It features gems of inspiration and wisdom from various historical figures including Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, Lao-Tzu, Buddha, Pascal, Jesus, Muhammad, Confucius, Emerson, Kant, Ruskin, Seneca, Socrates, and Thoreau. Tolstoy considered this work his most important contribution to humanity, and it was widely read in pre-revolutionary Russia before being banned and forgotten under Communism. Recently rediscovered, it has been praised for its timeless wisdom and inspiration.
Good Bones is a poetry collection that delves into the complexities of the world, balancing the harsh realities with a hopeful vision for its potential beauty. Maggie Smith writes from the perspective of a mother, protecting her children from the world's ugliness while emphasizing the possibility of making the world a better place. The poems use vivid imagery and lyric language to explore themes of compassion, empathy, and honesty, offering a hopeful outlook on the future[2][3].
Cecil Woodham-Smith's 'The Reason Why' is a compelling historical narrative that recounts the infamous Charge of the Light Brigade during the Crimean War. The book focuses on the roles of Lords Cardigan and Lucan, highlighting the arrogance, miscommunication, and systemic flaws within the British military that led to the tragic event. Woodham-Smith's work is both a critique of the Victorian class system and a vivid portrayal of military incompetence.
The poem tells the story of 600 British soldiers who, following a misguided order, charged into a heavily defended Russian artillery position. Despite knowing the command was a mistake, the soldiers obeyed without hesitation, showcasing their bravery, patriotism, and honor. The poem highlights the valour and sacrifice of the Light Brigade, even in the face of overwhelming odds and certain death. It is known for its powerful and repetitive meter, which conveys the collective action and bravery of the soldiers.
A Psalm of Life is a poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, written in 1838, that emphasizes the importance of living life with purpose and meaning. It encourages readers to act in the present and leave a lasting legacy. The poem is known for its inspirational message and didactic style, urging readers to strive for greatness and make their lives sublime.
This poem, written in the form of a villanelle, explores the themes of mortality, resistance, and the power of life. It was likely written for Dylan Thomas's ailing father and emphasizes the importance of living life fully until the end. The poem is renowned for its emotional depth and poetic structure.
This anthology, edited by Allie Esiri, includes poems linked to specific dates throughout the year, celebrating various themes and occasions. It features poets such as Shakespeare, Maya Angelou, and Benjamin Zephaniah, making it a delightful read for families and poetry enthusiasts alike.
On today’s podcast, Ryan speaks to writer Allie Esiri about the Stoic’s infatuation with ancient poetry, how to read and find insight in poetry, how the greatest writing communicates to us on a subliminal level, and more.
Allie Esiri is a writer and former actress in stage, film, and television. She has released several poetry anthologies including 2020’s, Shakespeare for Every Day of the Year, a collection of passages from Shakespeare's greatest works.
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