4.IF

 4.IF

'If'' is a didactic poem on the specific traits of a good leader. Through a series of  paradoxes, Kipling tells his son how the middle path – a golden mean in everything will serve as the secret key to this world and everything in it. The poem exhorts the  reader to be patient, honest, and straight, especially when faced with opposition and temptation to act in a less virtuous manner. He may have to face criticism, opposition, lies, and hatred. When others blame him, he must neither lose heart nor retaliate the  same way. He must remain confident and believe in himself; yet he must do his best to see the grounds for others doubting him. In all things he must hold on to his strength .of character, morals, and to his values, yet he must not look too good or wise. 

He also says that we have to face success and failure alikeAn ideal man cannot be deceived into thinking either triumph or disaster final. Sometimes he may even have to risk the fruits of a lifetime‟s toil, lose everything and start anew when nothing but sheer willpower remains. Still, he must hold on. When it comes to people, he must be able to walk with kings and talk with crowds and not to lose the common touch. All men should be given their due; yet none too much. He should remain upright so that he won‟t be swayed or hurt by friends or foes. Praise of a strong work ethic is echoed throughout the poem, as is a warning against idleness. 

The poem also places a higher value on the ability to act than on the ability to dream and philosophize. Throughout the poem, Kipling stresses the action without desire, equanimity, humility, and uprightness and stresses that we have the right to perform your actions, but are not entitled to the fruits of the actions.