These lines from Kipling's poem "If—" flesh out the stiff-upper lip version of masculinity the speaker is conveying to his son. The lines mean that whatever obstacles and setbacks a man faces, he must keep on striving without complaint.

In Kipling's "If," the line "Or walk with Kings—nor lose the common touch" advises maintaining humility and relatability, irrespective of one's social status. The speaker urges his son to interact with all social strata without losing his virtue or becoming arrogant. This means the son should be capable of mingling with both the elite and the common people, retaining his values and sensibilities without being swayed by his social surroundings.

In Kipling's "If", the line "If all men count with you, but none too much" instructs the reader to respect all individuals, regardless of their status, but not to rely too heavily on anyone. This advice is part of a larger message teaching the values of self-reliance, integrity, and balance in relationships. The poem aims to guide the reader towards becoming a virtuous and mature individual, capable of maintaining their own integrity while valuing all people equally.

The third stanza of "If--" by Rudyard Kipling emphasizes resilience and determination. It advises taking risks with all your gains, accepting losses without complaint, and starting anew, highlighting the importance of humility and strength of character. Additionally, it stresses the necessity of enduring through physical and emotional exhaustion, relying solely on willpower. These qualities collectively define a strong, dedicated, and humble individual, according to Kipling's vision of ideal manhood.

In Kipling's "If," the lines "If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue, Or walk with Kings—nor lose the common touch" advise maintaining one's integrity regardless of social interactions. Kipling emphasizes the importance of relating to both ordinary people and those of higher status without compromising one's morals or authenticity. This guidance suggests that true leadership involves connecting with all people while staying true to oneself.

In "If," Kipling wishes his son to possess qualities such as staying calm in crises and having internal strength. These traits involve maintaining a clear head amidst chaos and fighting through temptations of weakness to reveal the stronger aspects of one's nature. Kipling emphasizes the importance of these qualities for his son's character development and effectiveness in helping others.

In "If—," the most vital thing in life is self-control. Mastery is important because it allows one to manage reactions to challenging events, which is essential for the boy to whom the poem is addressed. The speaker emphasizes this quality to prepare the boy for the significant responsibilities of adulthood, particularly in the context of running the British Empire.

In the last line of "If," "Man" refers to someone who embodies the virtues outlined in the poem, such as fortitude, patience, clarity, and wisdom. Kipling emphasizes these qualities to define manhood, suggesting that a true "Man" is one who can remain stoic in adversity, grounded in ambition, humble yet respected, and strong in convictions.

The speaker in Kipling's "If" advises his son that true manhood is defined by integrity and strong character, rooted in a Judeo-Christian moral code. Key virtues include patience, honesty, humility, industriousness, resilience, and maintaining good relationships. The poem emphasizes overcoming adversity with grace, trusting oneself, and taking calculated risks. It teaches that manhood is not about age but about consistently demonstrating these qualities through life's challenges.

Rudyard Kipling's poem “If—” reveals that it is important to hold on to one's will as a crucial tool in dealing with life's difficulties. According to the speaker, the Will compels the body to keep going, no matter how tired or devastated the body is. If the Will rules, the person will persist through obstacles.