Lesson Learned
The lessons we learn can only make us stronger. “If” by Rudyard Kipling and “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost are both about choices you make and life lessons that should be followed. These poems are about being patient, trusting instincts, and creating a path in life.
“If” and “The Road Not Taken” both talk about how patience is the key in order to be successful. In “The Road Not Taken” the poet suggests that you should consider a situation and have patience before making it. In the poem, the poet was taking his time looking at the different paths he could choose to take. This is a good life lesson because no decision should be rushed into. The poet was patient and “stood and looked down one as far as [he] could to where it bent in the undergrowth”. This quote shows that taking a minute to consider everything leads a person to that right path. In “If” the poet describes that in order to be successful the key is to be able to wait and have patience. He conveys that being able to wait is different than waiting while being content. Patience is key, “If you can wait and not be tired by waiting”, then a person has learned the value of time and reflection.”If” and “The Road Not Taken” both taught a lesson of how patience is an important skill to learn in life.
A lesson that both “If” and “The Road Not Taken” have conveyed is the trusting of the instincts. “The Road Not Taken” described the different paths in life and how choosing a path can completely change one’s life. In the poem, the poet described his decision on what path to travel. The grassy field that has not been walked on recently or the one that is commonly taken. Following an instinct is a important skill to have because sometimes an instinct is a better option than taking a long time to decide. “Two roads diverged into a yellow wood, and sorry I could not travel both”, this quote explains how there is no way out of the poets decision. Although you can not predict which choice is right, listen to your heart and hope for the best. In “If” the poet describes trusting yourself but taking other peoples thoughts and concerns into consideration. The poem speaks to having faith in yourself when others doubt you. This is important because if a person does not trust themselves they will never be content with their choices. “If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you / but make allowance for their doubting to”, this quote refers to accepting feedback when making a choice. Trusting your instinct is a valuable idea that both “If” and “The Road Not Taken” have in common.
Being yourself instead of giving in to society’s pressures and learning how to create that path are lessons that “If” and “The Road Not Taken” describe. In “The Road Not Taken” the poet talks about how a man is not influenced by others because if everyone followed society and did what everyone else did, people would all be the same. If everyone was the same, life would simply be boring. The poet stating he, “took the road less traveled by, and that made all the difference”, demonstrates how he did not follow others and his choice ended up working out for the best. In “If” the poet talks about being able to follow society but how to still remain unique. Choosing to not follow society can be a very difficult thing to do for some people, but when they do it, their true self shines through. Don’t let ordinary people take over your life and stay true to yourself,“If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue, or walk with kings – – nor lose the common touch”. “If” and “The Road Not Taken” both taught this very important trait through the poem.
“If” and “The Road Not Taken” both teach the reader to be patient, to trust their instincts, and to create their own path. Practicing patience while being content helps you reflect and make good decisions. Trusting your instincts and using your heart helps guide you in making these decisions. Creating your own path in life free from society pressure means just being you which makes you a unique and loveable person. These lessons can be used over and over a lifetime, consciously and unconsciously, with success and failure, making up a bigger picture called life.
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