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Ataraxy Quote by Rudyard Kipling

“If you can keep your head when all about you Are losing theirs and blaming it on you, If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you, But make allowance for their doubting too; If you can wait and not be tired by waiting, Or being lied about, don't deal in lies, Or being hated, don't give way to…” quote by Rudyard Kipling
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““If you can keep your head when all about you Are losing theirs and blaming it on you, If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you, But make allowance for their doubting too; If you can wait and not be tired by waiting, Or being lied about, don't deal in lies, Or being hated, don't give way to hating, And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise If you can dream - and not make dreams your master; If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim; If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster And treat those two impostors just the same; If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools, Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken, And stoop and build 'em up with worn-out tools If you can make one heap of all your winnings And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss, And lose, and start again at your beginnings And never breathe a word about your loss; If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew To serve your turn long after they are gone, And so hold on when there is nothing in you Except the will which says to them: 'Hold on!' If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue, Or walk with Kings - nor lose the common touch, If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you, If all men count with you, but none too much; If you can fill the unforgiving minute With sixty seconds' worth of distance run, Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it, And - which is more - you'll be a Man, my son!””

Rudyard Kipling

About This Quote

Source Poem: “If” by Rudyard Kipling, 1910

The poem outlines virtues of self‑control, humility, resilience, and balanced perspective needed to navigate life's challenges.

In simple terms: Stay calm, humble, resilient, and balanced in adversity.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate inner strength and composure.

Themes

self‑control humility resilience balance leadership

Mood

determined reflective inspirational

Type

philosophical motivational

When to use this quote

  • career setbacks
  • personal loss
  • leadership crises
  • ethical dilemmas
  • spiritual trials

Key Concepts

Stoicism ethical conduct personal growth

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you practice humility without self‑denial?
  • What does “balance” look like in your daily decisions?
A Different Perspective

Overemphasis on stoic endurance may suppress healthy emotional expression.

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