If

I recently came across a poem written in 1895 by the English Nobel Laureate, Rudyard Kipling, simply titled “If”. Kipling had been inspired by the character and military actions of Sir Leander Starr Jameson, a leader in the failed “Jameson Raid” to overthrow the Boer Government, and actions leading up the to Second Boer War. From the concluding stanza it has been speculated that this Victorian era poem was written as guidance to his son John, who would later be killed in battle during WWI.

After reading the poem over several times and over several days I was inspired to forward it on to my son and sons-in -laws. Though written over 100 years ago, it seems like this sage advice to young John still rings just as true in our modern day. Each line holds some bold truths and I believe is worthy of reflection. Like Polonius’s famous admonition to his son Laertes in Shakespeare’s Hamlet, (“To thine own self be true”), these words are rare insights into some of the wisdom of the ages.

Leaders can gain valuable encouragement and inspiration from Kipling’s poem. I hope you can “fill the unforgiving minute with sixty seconds worth of distance run” and that you are able to continue “to build” even if only with “worn out tools”.

Stay Strong,

Terry