Asked by: Platon Kirsche
books and literature poetry

What does it mean to not make thoughts your aim?

23
"If you can think – and not make your thoughts your aim," means don't let your thoughts overpower you. "If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster / And treat those two impostors just the same:" means if good or bad comes by, let it go; don't let one overshadow the other.


Keeping this in view, what does the poet mean by making thoughts your aim?

Expert Answers info The second line, “If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim,” translates to mean close to the same as the first line – which is to let things happen as they will and not try to overthink anything.

Also Know, why is it important to not make dreams your master? This means that you should not be completely blinded by your dreams. Many are blinded by their dreams. They let go of reason and are so passionate about their dreams that they eventually end up making irreparable mistakes in life.

Moreover, what is the meaning behind the poem If by Rudyard Kipling?

The poem “If” is a paean to British masculine rectitude and stoicism. The poem is structured in such a way that almost every line of every stanza of the poem starts with the word 'If'. The poet is addressing his son in the poem, shedding light on his beliefs and conveying those to his son.

What is a trap for fools?

When Rudyard Kipling says, "If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools," he means that sometimes, even when you speak the truth, others will change your words to hurt others or convince others of untrue things.

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What would happen if one made thoughts the sole aim of one's life?

If one made thoughts the sole aim of one's life, one would never achieve greatness or prosperity. He would never become a real man as he would always go on thinking instead of converting them into actions.

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What does it mean if you can dream and not make dreams your master?

The line, “If you can dream – and not make dreams your master” is a very important principle for having balance. Meaning, dreams should not be your only aspirations, goals, or thoughts. This quote means that people should not be a slave to their dreams, constantly working for their dreams and wishes.

Elodia Waidhaas

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What does he mean to treat both triumph and disaster just the same?

If you can meet with triumph and disaster. And treat those two imposters just the same; The speaker is stating that triumph and disaster are the both imposters. This means that triumph may not be a victorious moment in which to celebrate. Hitler was triumphant, but his victory was really a disaster.

Rosanne Jaeneke

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What is the central theme of a poem?

The central theme of a poem represents its controlling idea. This idea is crafted and developed throughout the poem and can be identified by assessing the poem's rhythm, setting, tone, mood, diction and, occasionally, title.

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What is the central theme of the poem If?

Truly, the poem "If" is a lesson about what is important in life. Having all of the qualities and characteristics mentioned in the poem will make a man out the son and he shall inherit the earth. Truly, the overall theme is one of manhood and leadership. The speaker is teaching his son what it takes to become a man.

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What is the tone of the poem If?

The tone of "If" by Rudyard Kipling is multilayered, ranging from earnest to encouraging. Tone refers to the speaker or author's attitude toward the work's subject. The subject of "If" is what it takes to be a man, including maintaining one's sense of self and humility.

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What are the characteristics of a man in the poem If?

And--which is more--you'll be a Man, my son! The qualities needed to be a “perfect” man include: self- worth, compassion for mankind, a strong work ethic, the ability to interact with those from all walks of life while not stooping to the pettiness of others, and to care about others while maintaining self-dignity.

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What is the unforgiving minute?

In the poem, "the unforgiving minute" is a metaphor for the amount of time people have to live. That minute, the total time people have to live, is unforgiving because time doesn't give anyone a second chance. Once a second (60 seconds in a minute) passes, it is gone forever.

Bita Bevilacqua

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What type of poem is if?

The poem "If" by Rudyard Kipling is a lyric poem. Lyric poetry is defined as poetry which emphasizes musical qualities and encompasses a "spontaneous overflow of emotions." This poem emphasizes musical qualities by its use of rhyme in the format A-B-A-B-C-D-C-D for each eight-line stanza.

Ashli Rampe

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Who is the speaker in the poem what if?

The speaker is the poet Rudyard Kipling itself and it is addressed to his son John.

Anahit Jacquard

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When all about are losing their heads?

“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;!”

Manea Aidos

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What is the summary of if?

Quick Answer. Rudyard Kipling's poem "If—" lists a set of conditionals for the speaker's son to follow in order to become an ideal man. The speaker advises his son about how to perceive the world and life's challenges so that he can both learn from his experiences and resolutely overcome barriers.

Ailing Marenco

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Why are triumph and disaster called impostors?

Triumph and disaster are impostors because they are passing moments. In Rudyard Kipling's poem 'IF', the poet personifies Triumph and Disaster and calls them 'two impostors' (pretenders/cheaters/deceivers). People become too happy in success and forget their duty at hand.

Evgenia Poblacion

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What does yours is the Earth and everything that's in it mean?

Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it, And—which is more—you'll be a Man, my son!” It means using time to the fullest. How if you use every single second that you have, you would be able to achieve anything and everything.

Sukhdev Pfannschmidt

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What does if you can force your heart and nerve and sinew mean?

"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! To force yourself to do something is to make yourself do something you either do not want to do or do not think you are able to do.

Karlene Agapotchkin

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What is the poet's approach to dreams and longings?

What is the poet's approach to dreams and longings? Answer: It is good to have dreams but we should not allow dreams to be our master. Thinking is also good but thoughts are not our aim.

Setefilla Wricke

Reviewer

What advice does the narrator have about dreams in the poem If?

There goes a saying – “You have to dream first before your dream can come true.” So we should dream to reach great heights in life, but keeping the reality in mind. If you can think—and not make thoughts your aim; We should be able to think over a matter, but should not make the thoughts our aim.

Mariluz Barallobre

Reviewer

What should you do if the truth you've spoken is twisted?

“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”

Della Poll

Reviewer

What does don't deal in lies mean?

"Or being lied about, don't deal in lies," (when people lie about you don't accept those lies, and don't begin telling lies yourself as a way of defending yourself… if you can do this you will prove yourself the better person)

Co-Authored By:

EveryThingWhat Staff Editor

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26th March, 2020

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