"If" poem by Rudyard Kipling. Read by Sir Michael Caine.

Summary

The transcript is a recitation of Rudyard Kipling's poem 'If—', reflecting on the qualities of resilience, self-trust, and equanimity in the face of adversity. The speaker, who was deeply influenced by the poem since childhood, connects its themes to the highs and lows of an actor's career and the challenges of maintaining integrity in the public eye. The poem's message is a timeless call to personal strength and virtue.

Takeaways

• 🧠 **Self-Reliance**: The importance of maintaining one's composure and trusting oneself even when faced with doubt from others.
• 🕐 **Patience**: The virtue of waiting without growing weary or succumbing to lies and hatred.
• 🌟 **Moderation**: Avoiding extremes in self-presentation, neither appearing overly good nor overly wise.
• 💭 **Disciplined Thinking**: The ability to dream and think without letting these aspirations and thoughts control one's life.
• 🏆 **Equanimity**: Treating success and failure with the same level of calm and not being swayed by either.
• 🗣️ **Integrity**: Speaking the truth and standing by it, even when it is twisted by others for malicious purposes.
• 🏗️ **Resilience**: The capacity to rebuild after setbacks, using whatever resources are at hand.
• 💪 **Perseverance**: Continuing to strive and endure even when physically and mentally exhausted.
• 👥 **Humility and Connection**: Maintaining one's virtue in the company of both the common and the powerful.
• 🏃 **Efficiency**: Utilizing time effectively, achieving more in less time, and making the most of every moment.

Q & A

What is the name of the poem being discussed in the transcript?

The poem being discussed is 'If' by Rudyard Kipling.

Why is the poem 'If' significant to the speaker?

The poem 'If' is significant to the speaker because it was read to him by his father when he was a boy at school and it encapsulates the values he believes a man should have.

How does the poem 'If' relate to the speaker's life as an actor?

The poem 'If' relates to the speaker's life as an actor because it speaks to the highs and lows of the profession, with lines that encourage treating triumph and disaster equally, which is a common experience for actors.

What line from the poem has a particular resonance with the speaker's experience in acting?

The line 'if you can meet with triumph and disaster, and treat those two imposters just the same' resonates with the speaker because it reflects the extreme nature of success and failure in acting.

How does the speaker interpret the line 'if you can hear the truth you've spoken, twisted by knaves, to make a trap for fools' in the context of acting?

The speaker interprets this line as a reflection of the actor's relationship with the press, where their words can be taken out of context or misrepresented, leading to misunderstandings or traps.

What does the speaker believe is the key message of the poem 'If'?

The speaker believes the key message of the poem 'If' is the importance of maintaining one's integrity, resilience, and composure in the face of adversity and success.

How does the poem 'If' influence the speaker's personal philosophy?

The poem 'If' influences the speaker's personal philosophy by providing a framework for how to conduct oneself with dignity and strength, regardless of the circumstances.

What is the significance of the line 'yours is the earth and everything that's in it' in the context of the poem?

The line 'yours is the earth and everything that's in it' signifies the ultimate reward for embodying the virtues described in the poem, suggesting that such a person would be a master of their own destiny.

How does the speaker's father's role in introducing the poem to him affect his interpretation?

The speaker's father's role in introducing the poem to him as a child likely deepens his emotional connection to the poem and influences his interpretation, as it carries the weight of paternal wisdom and guidance.

What does the speaker suggest is the most challenging aspect of embodying the virtues described in the poem?

The speaker suggests that the most challenging aspect is maintaining one's resolve and integrity in the face of extreme adversity, as described in lines like 'if you can force your heart and nerve and sinew to serve your turn long after they are done'.

How does the poem 'If' relate to the broader themes of perseverance and resilience?

The poem 'If' relates to the broader themes of perseverance and resilience by encouraging the reader to remain steadfast and undeterred by external circumstances, whether they be triumphs or disasters.