The Tragic Life of Rudyard Kipling

The life of the youngest-ever winner of the Nobel Prize for literature, Rudyard Kipling, was filled with tragedy. He survived a difficult childhood to go on to become one of the most celebrated authors of his day, penning such classics as "The Jungle Book" and "Just So Stories". But, only one of his children would survive him and his legacy has been tied to some of his out-dated political beliefs. The History Guy remembers the tragic life of Rudyard Kipling.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a free advance reader's copy of "If: The Untold Story of Kipling's American Years" by Christopher Benfey. Those interested in reading a review of "If" by Ms. History (Heidi) can see it here: bit.ly/31DcGkL
If you would like to purchase a copy of Benfey's new book to learn more about the complex subject of today's History Guy episode, you may do so here: amzn.to/31zE56S
This is original content based on research by The History Guy. Images in the Public Domain are carefully selected and provide illustration. As images of actual events are sometimes not available, images of similar objects and events are used for illustration.
All events are portrayed in historical context and for educational purposes. No images or content are primarily intended to shock and disgust. Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it. Non censuram.
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Script by HCW
#history #thehistoryguy #kipling

[@jennief7114]

He was one of my favorite writers as a child. I was required in 8th grade to memorize the poem IF and recite it in class. The morning of, my little dog was hit by a car. I was heartbroken. My mother sent me to school anyhow. I recited the poem crying and my teacher became angry. She sent me to the principal. Thankfully he had a heart and called my father to come and get me. My childhood was not a very good one, but I never knew that about Kipling. It makes so much sense now how much so many of his poems touched my heart. Thank you, thank you, for sharing.

[@TheSaltydog07]

You break my heart. How could a teacher do that. How cruel.

[@bethparker1500]

Cruel mom and teacher, so glad you made it.

[@winstonpoole9906]

@@TheSaltydog07 It was the early 50's I had a double paper round, some times the papers were late at the newsagents, so I was late for school. Late twice in one week, you had the cane, no excuses. 12 years old...I'm now 80 years old it... still makes me angry thinking about it .

[@bharn253]

Teachers truly don't know shit. Prejudiced and arrogant. They should build children's strengths. They instead try to mold and groom them. To force them into their vision of culture. Not teachers, indoctrinators. They call students stupid, when in fact, they are poor teachers. Unable to instruct and hold children's interest.

[@paulduffy4585]

@@winstonpoole9906 the generation before you might've said you had it pretty cushy.

[@EasyThere]

Kipling's poem IF is a father to the fatherless, A reminder and ghostly whisper to the sons of dead men, and a rubric by which good men live. A masterpiece for all time.

[@jamesbailand4311]

Indeed.

[@Sheeeeeeeeeeeeiiitt]

Thank you for sharing that.

[@professorbonghair3111]

Amen!

[@philwilliams2505]

No it wasnt.!!! It was a poem about Leander Star Jameson....get your facts right. Filling people with false information is so f**king annoying!!!

[@jasoncornell1579]

The Gods of the Copybook Headings is an education against extremes preaching political moderation

[@txnetcop]

My mother read IF to me on my 12th birthday. I have done my best to live it! i remember it as a soldier in the late 60s and I still credit that poem for giving me strength to maintain momentum after the death of some of my friends.

[@josephstevens9888]

What a wonderful birthday present from a mother to a son!

[@AndrewVelonis]

You missed something: when the Boy Scouts of America formed the Cub Scouts, Rudyard Kipling was on the Board of Trustees. This is why the Cub Scouts use many of the names of Jungle Book characters

[@paulleckner8235]

Thank you for sharing.

[@lab35982]

Actually he was a friend of Baden-Powell and the Jungle Book was the inspiration for the Wolf Cubs, Americans couldn't handle the Imperial nature of Scouting so they called them Cub Scouts.

[@paulleckner8235]

@@lab35982 Thank you for sharing!

[@taniaearle4457]

Interesting thank you

[@Stephen-lx9nm]

Scouts were from Britain

[@briangarrow448]

As my father laid in hospice care, his body betrayed by the cruel cancer that wracked his body, I spent hours reading Mr. Kipling's stories to him. Those stories gave him, and me, a great comfort. Thanks again, Mr. History Guy. I can't figure out who is cutting the onions now on my porch.

[@TheDoctor1225]

God bless you, friend. Both of my parents have been gone for some years now, and from time to time as I think back on memories of days gone by, that same person comes along and starts cutting onions. No matter how hard I try, I NEVER can seem to catch them, but someday I'm sure I will! :)

[@mov1ngforward]

🙏

[@jeffreyroot7346]

God Bless! I also sat many hours with my father as he slowly passed due to cancer. Now it's my turn to fight it.

[@oldman0995]

Jeffrey Root much respect. I hope someone stands with you as you did with your father.

[@briangarrow448]

@@jeffreyroot7346 Stay strong my friend. I will be sending positive thoughts and prayers your way.

[@ninja011]

My Great Grandfather met Kipling once when doing post-graduate studies in the UK, he came from Russia just a year before WW1 broke out. He would say that his time in that country was hard and cruel, for being a foreigner made him a target. He always spoke highly of his meeting with Kipling, saying that he was the kindest soul he had ever met and that if there was ever a person that made him feel welcomed and heard at that time, Kipling was that person. In memory of him and Kipling, I will impart my great grandfather's most important words of wisdom he told me. "No person is beyond controversy, by believing in something, you have made yourself controversial. That there will always be those that disapprove of you and your beliefs, and though they may make good points to validate their criticisms, it is still your chouse to choose what you believe in, and how you evolve them in life."

[@paulmanson253]

He was a smart man. You were blessed to know him.

[@TheKhanhhoa]

beautiful

[@MarkSmith-js2pu]

Wow, that’s heavy, thank you for sharing

[@louiejordan6933]

Thank you for sharing those words. It is appreciated

[@marilynkonrad8497]

Thank you for sharing. You are most fortunate to feel the way you do. I feel fortunate to feel the same. I am unafraid to stand by my words and beliefs. Often ousted by some. My father spoke often of Kipling’s words quoting him often. “IF “. Coming instantly to mind. I was very young but never forgot his words. So wise. I am not confrontational by any means , like to share thoughts , once things get heated so prefer to agree to disagree and move along. Thank God for the choice to choose , treasure it while we have it.

[@bubbalandbeau9872]

He has always spoken to me and is my favorite poet. “If” and “Gunga Din” are certainly treasures! “Tommy” a poem about the British soldier, commonly called “Tommy Atkins” by the Brits, much like we say G.I. Joe here in the US., is my favorite though. Kipling knew about soldiers and soldiering. He understood their language, their sense of humor, their lifestyle and sacrifices and their tremendous love of something greater than themselves and hurt when their own countrymen don’t respect them for their service. “For its Tommy this, and Tommy that, and Chuck him out the brute! But it’s savior of his country when the guns begin to shoot; And it’s Tommy this and Tommy that, and anything you please; and Tommy ain’t a blooming fool-- you bet that Tommy sees!” Yes, servicemen and service women see how they get treated. God Bless freedom! Thank you Mr. Kipling and Semper Fidelis from an old Marine.

[@pavelstaravoitau7106]

British soldiers were colonising, terrorising and genociding all over the world so disliking them and what they do is totally reasonable (same for the US military). Yet another reason to dislike Rudyard Kipling as a person.

[@drsch]

As a father of two daughters, I found his telling of stories to his daughter to be a very touching bit. My daughter does the exact same thing when I make up stories. She memorizes the stories and makes sure I always keep them exactly the same.

[@timcooke9933]

My father read me “If” many times when I was young, and I passed that on to my sons. It went a long way to making me the man I am today. A wonderful submission, History Guy. Thank you.

[@douglasstrother6584]

"If" ~ 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 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! www.kiplingsociety.co.uk/poems_if.htm

[@robertfears2011]

@@douglasstrother6584 beautiful

[@douglasstrother6584]

Cigars are less dangerous, too!

[@jeffreyroot6300]

D. E. I will stick to love and heartache. Nothing hurts like a broken heart, but nothing makes life sing in color like love! Me , circa now

[@jeffreyroot6300]

D. E. I will agree I had many infatuations , then one day... 15 years now , I still adore my wife. We’ve settled into life, yes, We don’t get giggly seeing each other, and I can still get an ache in my chest thinking about her . So , you are right, at least in part. I recognize my earlier life in your description.

[@EnTeaJay]

This is one of your most poignant commentaries. Very well done. You’ve captured the essence of this great man.

[@Joker-jt3vn]

Nancy Jervis Very well put Nancy. We all need to appreciate the challenge of capturing the essence of someone so complex and doing it in 15 minutes!

[@theshocker4626]

I got something in my eye

[@thomasyoest6557]

I too had something in my eye, but it all poured out.

[@thomasyoest6557]

Who the hell is H.E. Rey. Nothing on YT about him. Snipe hunt??

[@tamjacobite4758]

I could not agree more with Joker

[@brega6286]

I am mother of three and now have one left on this earth. As a young child my father was going to night college for years while he worked full time. He would do double duty... reading his assignments to me.. no kiddie books ! As he had spent time in India and Pakistan area... he had an affinity for Kipling. Those I remember... and Moby Dick but the physics books and such... think I fell asleep fast ! Such a great Dad !

[@retriever19golden55]

I deeply loved Kipling as a child, and read many of his books to my own son when he was young. "Kim" engendered some interesting discussions about people and their times, and the evolution of how we see and how we label others, as Twain's works did also. Thank you, Rudyard Kipling, especially for the real Jungle Book.

[@ronjones-6977]

It's truly a shame that most people just know the animated movie. Kipling is one of my favorite authors. Before I was 6, Captains Courageous was the second book I read, Kidnapped being the first.

[@robinsherrod2973]

My youngest son decided to go to college across the country from where he was hailed; he chose Oregon. He had decided to make it on his own as his mother (myself) had MS and Crohn’s Disease. I sent him out with a hand-written copy of “If”, to follow from day to day. He later told me how often the words came true for him.

[@thaddeushawley6523]

One of my favorite KZbin days was finding The History Guy. Thanks for the awesome videos!

[@nhlightning9804]

I too adore the regular videos from The History Guy.

[@kenthawley5990]

From one Hawley to another, I agree!

[@LazyTestudines]

I'm lucky youtube persisted. I don't know why but the first few times the history guy was suggested to me, I refused to click. KZbin seemed adamant about it though, so I watched one but forgot about the channel. Then it suggested it again and again, since then I must have watched at least a hundred of them.

[@Eddie42023]

@@LazyTestudines all hail the KZbin algorithm.

[@Switcharoo12]

Agreed.👍

[@Loreman72]

I grew up in South Africa in the 70s and 80s, and Kipling's stories were part of my culture. Until now, I had no idea he'd spent so much time in America! His stories are loaded with the British Raj, with snippets of languages and concepts from Malaya, India and South Africa. It was a vanished world, and I can still recite some of those poems off by heart.

[@williamdalrymple3775]

Thank you for this brief insight into Kipling's life. Rarely had any use for fiction but he captured me thoroughly. As I age poorly I appreciate the brief reimersion into the delight of Kipling's rare gift.

[@ronjones-6977]

Your last line reminds me how much the craft of writing has been lost. Kipling always made me feel like I was reading a song. The beauty and flow just sweep you away to a place in HIS imagination.

[@cedainty]

My husband an I are married now 48 years. "If" has always been a favorite of mine. Then I found a sheet of paper in my Hubby's stuff as we were looking for family history. It was a copy of "If" that he had written when he was in high school. Two birds of a feather, he and I, for 48 years and counting.

[@marymarysmarket3508]

Kipling was still required reading in the 1960-70s in Chicago public schools. Starting in Junior High schools. Shakespeare..Dickens..Kipling..Poe. How far we have fallen.

[@1995yuda]

Amazing. Thank you for sharing that. Blessings.

[@danacoleman4007]

congratulations!

[@chriscw3487]

my farther was killed in a traffic accident when my mother was 6 months pregnant with me ...when i was in my early 20s (after my mother had been taken by cancer) i found a letter a friend had sent her after my fathers death ...."if" ....it is not a poem to bring comfort ...but i found understanding ...you can fold in on yourself or you can get on with it and " stoop and build ’em up with worn-out tools

[@sequoyah59]

An amazingly familiar story. 46 years for us.

[@dusseau13]

As a retired English teacher, your treatment of Kipling was top notch. Even your narration seemed to flow seamlessly into Kipling and back.

[@aneily]

Oooh snap!

[@davideaston6944]

@@dusseau13 "Your very judgemental ..." - Ha! I'm afraid the court finds for the plaintiff. And here I was on your side, finding 'acbulgin2' to be far too presumptuous; and then you went and did this! Doh! {%^)

[@dusseau13]

@@davideaston6944 Are you on something?

[@davideaston6944]

@@dusseau13 That would be, by any standards of the English language: "YOU'RE very judgemental ...", not "Your very judgemental ..." Seriously? And you want to try sarcasm on me? Yes, I'm on something; it's called, "The Top". Self-righteousness doesn't look good on someone who keeps making mistakes while being proud to say they're an expert on the subject. Try some humility; even a "sorry, my mistake", wouldn't be out of line. Continuing being defensive doesn't work. Good luck with that.

[@fredneecher1746]

As a retired English teacher, you should recognise a dangling participle when you write one. Or are you saying the man in the video is the retired English teacher?

[@DawnOldham]

What a talented man who was burdened with so much tragedy. My heart hurts for him. And yet he pushed himself and all of us to continue to do out very best no matter the circumstances.

[@beanowa5496]

Burdened by tragedy? The tragedy was he himself with his views. The man was nothing.

[@picklesthewise]

One of my favorite writers. I loved the Jungle Book and Just So stories growing up and found his other works and poetry later. Despite the fantastical descriptions of his children's stories, his more "grown up" works had a lot more brutal realism and tragedy, but also a staunch sympathy for his fellow man. Never tire of reading them.

[@jackofswords7]

My favorite poet by far. As a veteran of the British Army I would call him the soldiers poet. Thank you for covering his life story.

[@lynnhauenstein4136]

Yes I have an old book of soldiers ditties. By Kipling.

[@frankmueller2781]

Not only s great poet, but one the best observers of the coming culture of the 20th century.

[@janebrown1706]

Yes, the soldier's poet!

[@DigitalDuelist]

My favorite poet, and I never knew his life was so tragic. I'm forever grateful his work was immortalized and somehow found it's way to me.

[@josephdupont]

I'd like you to research United flight 409 which at the time of a crash in 1955 was the largest air disaster in the United States recently a gentleman I know ran carbon monoxide test on some of the remains that are still buried near where the plane crash into the mountains the industry tried to blame it on pilot error but there's enough evidence now that any logical person would realize that the plane was flying out of control and wobbling in the air and when it hit the mountain it was still at Cruise power they never went to full power when they hit the mountain which would have been a natural instinct for any pilot I can send you my references let me know if you're interested in taking this one on I might even sponsor this one it took out four of our residents here in Towanda one of the ladies before they went on the Strip they got their wheel redone because she thought it was about time they had some bad bad fortune

[@oscarwarren469]

Chitty...bang down.

[@MrRavenski23]

Being French, I did not know much about him except for the Jungle Book as in France educational system, literature is mainly focussed on French authors. Reading some of the comments inspired me to read "If" after watching the video. This is a most superb masterpiece of a poem, what a great man he must have been to capture so well the lessons in life! And good with words too!

[@dennisnolan5095]

I'm almost 60 but I was raised hearing my father (using amazing voices) reading The Elephant's Child & The Cat Who Walked By Himself. How wonderful it is to learn more about Kipling. Thank you!

[@MsMesem]

but ? Seems very normal and a very happy memory.

[@damnperrys1]

When I was a student at the US Army Sniper school in the early 90's we were taught KIM's (Keep In Mind) games. A referral to Kipling's methods to train to improve memory and focus by being able to recall small details and the bigger picture of what we had seen/heard during the lesson. Something I still use in my practices today and something Ive taught my children to do. A invaluable tool no matter the profession. I had lost the origin of these exercises until listening to your lesson. Fondly remembering times from long ago, kept me alive and strong I know.... Thank you!

[@gulfrelay2249]

This memory exercise was featured in the novel Kim. Also in the film Gigi. Used in Secrets of The Ninja, Palidin Press, ca. 1990 something by (wait for it) Ashida KIM! I myself have used this to entertain and hopefully sharpen up bored kids and myself. Along with reading and memorizing upside down text.

[@schizoidboy]

Considering what I heard about Ashida Kim, he probably stole it from Kipling's Kim. ;)

[@intotheabyssoftheunknown4479]

Yes, it does heighten ones situational awareness!

[@gulfrelay2249]

@@schizoidboy along with the screenwriter who did Gigi. Kipling himself probably picked it up from the street kids. There's quite a bit of shady goings on and tradecraft in Kim. BTW, Ashida Kim lead me to the real Kim. A.K. obviously a nom de plume, cashing in on the Ninja craze. The parts on meditation and combatives were pretty good; simple, easy to understand, and therefore useful.

[@peculiarlittleman5303]

Thank you! Will try! I'm far too oblivious. I think too much.

[@262marcus]

I got a lump in the throat at the quoting of “if”. Learning of Kipling’s background seemed to lend the poem more poignancy A history well told and worth remembering. Well done History Guy.

[@markakin3742]

Very much so

[@5330MALLARD]

As a kid in grade school I learned to recite “If” as a class project. To this day, at 75, it is my most favorite recitation. And Kipling is my most favorite writer of both prose and poetry.

[@jeanlouisfrenette534]

The Canadian Engineers are reminded daily of Rudyard Kipling. In 1922 a Calling For an Engineer was created in Montreal Canada. At graduation a closed ceremony is performed, reciting a Pledge written by Rudyard Kipling. At the close of the ceremony the engineer is given an iron ring to be worn on the pinky finger of the writing hand. Wikipedia describe the process in " Ritual of the Calling of an Engineer"; it describe in details the participation of Rudyard Kipling in the ritual ceremony. Thank you for the story.

[@craigdavidson2278]

My grandad quoted the poem 'IF' to me when I was 9 years old, we were dear stalking in my native perthshire during a school holiday. Grandad was (in his own way) trying to prepare me for future events that could be hard to cope with. 3 weeks later he was buried near his house at Loch Rannoch on the gentle slopes of his beloved Schiehallion. I now think back to how much that walk must have hurt him as he was seriously ill (unbeknown to me) I'd like to think that he had planned the day especially...and "IF" was the way to do it.

[@thereforeayam]

"deer"

[@craigdavidson2278]

@@thereforeayam sorry....we were not hunting old ladies

[@dominickb7046]

What a wonderful story , as a grandfather of 8 it inspires me to do more for my grandchildren. Thank you so much!,

[@pamil1923]

craig davidson - Thank you for your heartfelt story, you were blessed to have a grandad to do stuff with, both my granddads died when I was just a wee lad and so I don’t remember them. I love the poem, IF, it’s probably my favorite and I listen to it often.👍🏼☮️

[@craigdavidson2278]

@Eric Van ....I got that from my dad......my sanctuary was grandads home

[@farmerned6]

“Have you news of my boy Jack? ” Not this tide. “When d’you think that he’ll come back?” Not with this wind blowing, and this tide. “Has any one else had word of him?” Not this tide. For what is sunk will hardly swim, Not with this wind blowing, and this tide. “Oh, dear, what comfort can I find?” None this tide, Nor any tide, Except he did not shame his kind- Not even with that wind blowing, and that tide. Then hold your head up all the more, This tide, And every tide; Because he was the son you bore, And gave to that wind blowing and that tide! for John Kipling or Jack Cornwell

[@janeminwell4395]

A truly beautiful poem by one of my favourite authors. Loved all the stories in the Jungle Book as a child.

[@farmerned6]

@@janeminwell4395 "The boy is safe, and it was I--I--I that caught Nag by the hood last night in the bathroom." Then he began to jump up and down, all four feet together, his head close to the floor. "He threw me to and fro, but he could not shake me off. He was dead before the big man blew him in two. I did it!" " Rikkitikki-tck-tck! Come then,Nagaina. Come and fight with me. You shall not be a widow long." the story of Rikki-Tikki-Tavi or kzbin.info/www/bejne/f5qzaZWgns-GmtE

[@janeminwell4395]

@@farmerned6 Toomai of the Elephants was and is a favourite. Kala Nag, wonderful .

[@thereforeayam]

"for"

[@Martin-tn5lm]

Thanks for the wording of the verse. Here in West Ireland the old people made the blowing "wind" rhyme with "bind" as Kipling intended too. To my long-passed father Kipling's store of tales and poems was a treasure - as it is to me now.

[@kevinstibich6208]

"When you're wounded and left on Afghanistan's plains, and the women come out to cut up what remains, jest roll to your rifle and blow out your brains and go to your gawd like a soldier" Rudyard Kipling... History repeats itself.

[@howardwayne3974]

That is the first poem of his i learned by heart when I was 10 years old . my teacher asked us to remember a poem to recite in class and I thought since I already knew that one why the hell not . you should have seen her face when I'd finished !!! She looked like she'd been gut shot !! All the boys thought it was the greatest thing ever , but some of the girls were crying , and teacher sent home a letter to my mom . my mom who was a raw boned east Texas woman who was used to cutting down pine trees and slopping hogs laughed so long and loud i thought she would hurt herself. She didn't tell my dad though . he took a dimmer view of such things . god , I miss 'em both so very much .!!!!!!

[@5kehhn]

I like it! I like it! Ha! Thanks for the post; it's one of his I missed, from back in the day.

[@marymarysmarket3508]

@@howardwayne3974 ah hahaha. What a life you must have had. ☀️

[@howardwayne3974]

@@marymarysmarket3508 yeah, grew up in the Brazes river bottoms of southeast Texas fishing at night for catfish ,softshell turtles and anything else that came my way . Picking cotton in summer and pecans inthe fall . working cattle and breaking horses in between hunting trips. Spent 10 years as a United States Marine with two tours of combat duty in Viet Nam .been married to the same good woman for 46 years and raised a daughter and son . learned a lot about people from both sides of my parents family . my mothers side was old southern with pride in serving in our countries wars since the revolution and brought their cooking with them . my fathers side was Czech (moravian ) that came to Texas in 1870 , so they were relative newcomers . learned to butcher hogs and make sausage and run a smokehouse from them . also my grandmother made the best poppyseed kolaches ever .

[@marymarysmarket3508]

Howard Wayne..you are a rich man! 💰 And a great storyteller. My father also sat seven kids down and read us poetry. From comments here, it was a common practice...of lasting influence. We were raised in Chicago in the 50’s, and like you, had a good strong upbringing. I am Eastern Orthodox and quite familiar w many Eastern European cultures. Great food and super people. Best wishes going forward from our situation now. Things will never be as idyllic as you describe. Sad really. Think I’ll read a bit more Kipling and remember when people and ideals mattered.📕

[@tango6nf477]

A bit of trivia, Kipling's unusual name "Rudyard" originated from Rudyard Lake, a small lake in Staffordshire England which is a local beauty spot and where his parents used to visit.

[@cruzdirector8637]

My mother read Kipling to me and my siblings often. I had no idea that the man behind the pen suffered so much. Again, thank you for another peek behind the curtains of history. You’re the best, History Guy!

[@1962pjh]

One of my favorites is, "The Cat that Walked by Himself'

[@Alex462047]

Kipling's poem "If" was one of my grandfather's favourite poems. May they both rest in peace.

[@LiftOffLife]

"If" is brilliant.

[@rebeccawoolfolk5377]

My dad had me memorize poems when I was little, and If was one of them.

[@philmcdonald4778]

@@rebeccawoolfolk5377 No waste of time.

[@Froobyone]

I lived a few short miles from Bateman's, Kipling's home. So his poems and experiences were never far from my mind growing up. Gunga Din still moves me 50 years later.

[@Pattilapeep]

Kipling is perhaps my favorite author. If you ever can, read his poem "The Power of the Dog". If you love animals, I guarantee it will bring you to tears. He was and is a wonderful writer.

[@michaelmartin6912]

You always lessen my ignorance , and for that I thank you sir...

[@dmc2554]

That doesn't even rhyme.......

[@virginagobetz4756]

@@dmc2554 What ARE you talking about?

[@dmc2554]

@@virginagobetz4756 Poetry.

[@michaelmartin6912]

d mc......yes , rhyming would have been a nice touch. Wish I had thought of that..

[@malcolmyoung7866]

My favourite poet and author..But having spent 22 years in Her Britannic Majesty's Armed Forces' that should not surprise anyone I guess....Did I see a tear welling up at the very end of 'IF', Lance? If so, welcome to the club...

[@randomperson8695]

Thank you for your service, Malcolm. -Your US brother in service to NATO.

[@tahosaeditingservices6957]

My school concentrated on Shakespeare and authors from the United States. A lot of them I didn't understand as a student. Your story helps me to understand why I was attracted to Rudyard Kipling's writings. I could actually understand it. I've used his line, "You're a better man than I, Gunga Din" over the years, and no one understood it. I need to read more Kipling. Thank you.

[@davidzuk]

I first heard 'If' in high school and then memorized the poem a few months after. The poem helped center me when my life seemed to be falling apart, and humble me when I felt on top of the world. Kipling had a gift of putting a persons sentiment into words, and I'm glad to remember them today.

[@TheAuntieBa]

My beloved grandfather had a collection of every published Kipling work; his favorite author, so I knew Kipling early. I have that collection now. My grandparents struggled financially, so they’re cheap books with yellowed, fragile pages but so dear. I’m appalled to hear now of Kipling’s childhood and the loss of two of his three children. So much beauty out of sadness.

[@overlycreative1]

It was having a childhood of now 60 years ago past that in reading these types of great novels I was enchanted with the adventures more lucidly created in my imagination. It was through the lives of men like Kipling, Melville, Hemingway and others that I learned a man could survive sometimes through will alone, what would take a lesser informed or inspired man down. I have climbed cold wet mountains, slept in muddy war torn nights, had no water drink and little food to eat at times. But I never suffered as the romance of my life's history was being created with each larvae I ate, each full moon I counted as my calendar, each wave I sailed over. I have had a lucky life to be sure but I would not trade a single second of it having the words of these men, written as if just for me alone. In the times I was alone against the elements and predatory animals I had these stories in memory to keep me company. I grew up with great men of literature all around me, they made a better man out of me.

[@src4526]

that is hardcore friend. and more, i can totally identify with it.

[@illuminickiblanco]

Great post... I loved getting lost in literature,and till this day I still love a great read..But nowadays these kids are like "Books? I'm not sure what that is...Is that a French word?" Lol

[@kathymyers7279]

overlycreative1 cool person. Some how someway, tell your story!

[@mariadacre5875]

overlycreative1...Nicely put that post was a work of art in itself.

[@Jen999]

Always I cry when the poignant words of IF are read .. and now I know why ⚘ Thank you for this achingly beautiful documentary on the life .. and tragic losses ., of Rudyard Kipling⚘ Jen999💜💙

[@feroz5927]

Your rendition of Kipling's poem IF was superb. I also enjoyed your narration of his tragic life. As a child, I always liked Kipling's Jungle Book, and so did my son.

[@JDnBeastlet]

When I was a kid and having a tough time, my Mom would say, "Hang in, Gunga Din!" It was years before I learned of the poem that was the source of that name, and it has been one of my favourites ever since. Thank you for sharing history, which does indeed deserve to be remembered.

[@JTan74]

Whenever I need inspiration or faced with a moral dilemma, I read Kipling's "If". I'm glad you recited it in closing. 🙏🏽

[@jmad627]

J. Tan I do the same thing.

[@cc1k435]

Thank you for this. I had been prepared to hear some terrible tales about Kipling in India while it was under British rule, so I've always put off looking into his personal story. Like everyone else, though, his life was complicated and often sad like so many writers, and I will appreciate that about him when re-reading his work in the future.

[@kimballscarr]

If is all hope and no remorse. Thank you, for telling this life lived well and not forgotten. If all else lost it remains in my heart, ever to never more.

[@phyllisrigney8256]

Wonderful and sad. You present these videos so very well!

[@Chinahand111]

Mr. History Guy is the best. What a story teller! Please show more of your cat.

[@zencreature]

Agreed.

[@marktaylor8659]

I knew nothing more about Rudyard Kipling other than "The Jungle Book" and "Captain Courageous" until watching this episode. Thank you for sharing about his life.

[@leeh.1900]

Wow...this was beautiful. I lost my little Granddaughter 2 weeks ago. A child of light and joy...and now she's gone. I think I'll read me some Kipling. Thanks THG...I love your work.

[@jbisntme]

When I first read Kiplings “ IF “ I became spellbound by the words. I couldn’t stop reading it , over and over again. Not to memorize , but to let those words sink deep into my soul. For I truly believed that I was reading “ truth “. A blueprint on how I should live my life .

[@dalekidd420]

Kipling's writing was so very memorable. As you quoted "The Jungle Book", I found myself quoting it along with you... text I have not read these past forty years or more. I recall that in my early teens, an avid outdoorsman growing up in the wilds of northern Ontario, I selected a verse to be used as my own epitaph in case I should meet with misfortune: it was from Mowgli's "Song of the Little Hunter", and I felt it defined my being at the time.

[@JonSauter]

I used to get water for my grandfather during his ending days. He called me Gunga Din and I rolled my eyes. It was a joke and I felt inconvenienced as I was a teenager and didn't think he would be gone soon. I thought there was time left. Then he was dead. Thank you for this history that should be remembered. I assume he knew Gunga Din from a movie, or maybe he read the story at some time. I have his US Navy civilian credentials from when he worked. He grew from the typest pool to a manager that dealt with Nazi captured technology. My son and I watch your channel now and I have learned so much. He asks now to watch about u boats and the wars. Keep it up, we appreciate it.

[@DawnSuttonfabfour]

He knew gunga din (or men like him) in reality; he was born and brought up in India. And in the poem Kipling wrote, Din was also a hero.

[@jeme7339]

@@DawnSuttonfabfour "he", here refers to the commenter's grandfather.

[@crooker2]

I live in a city called "Medicine Hat" in Canada... In 1907, Kipling visited this area of the country and wrote "This part of the country seems to have all hell for a basement, and the only trap door appears to be in Medicine Hat." His comments refer to the seemingly unlimited stores of natural gas in the area and remains to this day to be one of our trademarks. Medicine Hat, the city with All Hell for a Basement. I think that's pretty cool.

[@walteradams3775]

"What is the greatest thing a king can do for his land? The task that lies under his nose, with the tools that lie under his hand." The Kings Job

[@marymarysmarket3508]

🌹

[@DougMarlowe]

As a surviving parent, I know all too well of his pain. Well done!

[@rcknbob1]

A number of us old soldiers are familiar with Kipling's "Barrack-House Ballads", and his stories of the British soldiery like "Tommy": And its Tommy this, and Tommy that, And Tommy, how's your soul, But it's "thin red line of heroes" when the guns begin to roll. Nationalistic? Yes. Jingoistic? Maybe. But patriotic? Assuredly. And a good counter to "Soldiers and dogs, keep off the grass".

[@TheDoctor1225]

I can't say as I would apply those labels (aside from patriotic) to that poem (which is of course my opinion and worth approximately that much, too! :) ) I believe that poem is, especially today, a very pointed commentary on the way that a great many people view the military (or the police, or EMS, or...) in that it's easy to make fun of them, lump all of them together because of the actions of a few or ignore them UNTIL there's trouble, or battle, or something happens - then suddenly we dust off the title of "hero," "courageous," brave," etc and suddenly they become people we look up to even while we're pushing them to the front to protect us. And it's a DAMNED good counter to the sign you mentioned.

[@peterwoods5310]

"And it's First Class for soldier Atkins when the guns begin to shout".

[@Corgis175]

Magnificent author/poet. RIP to all his offspring and wife and himself.

[@martinarreguy2984]

I do love the "Thousandth Man" and of "If" His genius in his ability to express in write is incontrovertible brilliance!

[@TERoss-jk9ny]

I watched my Mom and Dad slowly die after first, my little sister was killed when she was 10, then my little brother killed at the age of 20. I’m living proof the good die young, and they take pieces of your being with them. Never to recovered. My heart goes out to this great author.

[@brianwillem]

T.E. Ross This is a hard burden. There are no words that an comfort.

[@TERoss-jk9ny]

Harder when you’re the one that’s left. Praying every day YOU don’t die knowing what it will do to your parents. I’m all that’s left, now, so it’s ok. They’re all together! I can’t wait to join them! Thanks for your comment.

[@kerrymcdonagh1327]

@@TERoss-jk9ny "IF" you have done your best, then they are proud of you.

[@ThePeaceableKingdom]

compassion for your loss

[@lautoka63]

@@TERoss-jk9ny I hear your grief and have nothing to compare with it. However, I wonder how your family would want you to live: I have lost my parents and my brother and try to live in the knowledge that I have life, where they do not, so I should live it to the fullest while I have it.

[@thelightbearer8050]

Buddy, you are a great educator, the world needs many more people like you!

[@thoughtfulkayaker8065]

Kipling is one of my favorite authors. His lines flow like a symphony, His thoughts both humorous, thought provoking, and memorable. I quote him often to my friends, and other passers by. Thank you.

[@tristamharrington1726]

Thank you very much for your contributions in keeping history alive, especially the forgotten and unknown. It is truly history worth remembering.

[@571951rhoehn1]

"If" is one of the great pieces of poetry ever written. Thank you for remembering a tragic figure, a fine writer, and I believe a study of man v the world.

[@markblix6880]

I am 63 years old and have known of Rudyard Kipling for a long time. Now I know something about him. Thanks THG.

[@drake8846]

I loved the poem IF at the end. it echoed themes common to Indian spiritual literature like the Bagavad Gita. Also really appreciated the photos of 1865 Bombay. He probably supported imperialism in part because of the love and kind appreciation he experienced as a young child in Bombay by the Indian people.

[@jennaolbermann7663]

My father used to read me Just So Stories when I was little. Thank you for telling Mr. Kipling’s story. Very tragic but worth remembering.

[@WaltzingAustralia]

I was introduced to Kipling by my father, who read the Just So Stories to me when I was a child. I can still quote lines that delighted me ("...the banks of the great grey-green, greasy Limpopo River, all set about with fever-trees" or "on an uninhabited island on the shores of the Red Sea, there lived a Parsee"). I have since then read a large number of Kipling's books, including some of the less well known ones, such as the slightly autobiographical "Stalky and Company." Interesting to see all these works put in context of his own life. Always enjoy your programs, but this one resonated for me.

[@jaydenronnie3155]

Hi 👋

[@jeffpenberthy7085]

A marvelous edition of your program delivered with true heart THG! Although Australian, many years ago I was a Time magazine bureau chief in New Delhi, and covered a lot of the old Kipling territories, so this resonated so much. But I have admired the thoroughness, care, style and breadth of subjects in all your programs. Hope you, your good wife, and cat, can keep up this the obviously happy work for many a good year.

[@eddiechavez707]

I loved this episode. I loved the cadence, the emphasis on certain words when you recite. You make history come alive. Thank you

[@marthagiza4884]

My father introduced me to Kipling when I was an adolescent. I found this little history fascinating and touching, thank you.

[@LostInThe0zone]

Prior to today, I only knew his name. Your telling of his life brought tears to my eyes. I now intend to read all of his works because I feel I have an understanding of him.

[@itsjohndell]

I've saved my comment for here rather than Patreon . This may be the best and most important video yet. A story not only to be remembered, but one too little known. Thank you, Lance.

[@frankapplegate4852]

I have watched so many of your "history that deserves to be remembered". I have enjoyed them all. But this one touched me. What a beautiful and touching way to end your lesson. "IF" means so much more to me now. Thank you for this gift of enlightenment.

[@randysandford4033]

Loved Kipling since I was a child. "IF" is my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE poem of all time. Saw his memorial in Poets' Corner in Westminster. Long live the memory of Rudyard Kipling!

[@catcook3324]

"IF", one of the greatest English language poems ever written. In "St Martin's Lane" (1938) Charles Laughton does a wonderful recitation of it while he schools Vivian Leigh on the fine points of being a busker. Worth a watch!

[@ownpetard8379]

"busker" street/public place entertainer for donations

[@frankycompagnone7356]

You out did yourself with this one.. Many thanks as he is still my favorite author .at the end you brought a tear to my eye, and I thank you sir.

[@ginaheller333]

Thank you for this...my late Mother loved this author so much, she named her son, Kim after the book which she was reading while pregnant. She bought me the Just So Stories when I was little. I was her last child, born later than the others, and we read that book together many times - in blanket forts she would make for the two of us to read while my siblings were at school. Lovely memories...

[@williamashbless7904]

There was a famous greeting card that featured a nerd reading a book under an apple tree. A voluptuous brunette(could’ve been blonde) approaches him and the nerd asks her: “Do you like Kipling?” To which the brunette responds with: “I don’t know, you naughty boy, I’ve never Kippled.” Consistently some of the finest content this platform offers. Thank you.

[@madprofessor1]

It's "Tommy this" and "Tommy that" and "Tommy go away". But it's "thank you Mr Atkins" when the band begins to play.

[@jamesjanson6129]

"an chuck him out the brute! But Tomy's everyone's hero when the guns begin to shoot."

[@MyBlueZed]

From here to eternity ...

[@thomaslinton1001]

"For it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' "Chuck him out, the brute!" But it's "Saviour of 'is country" when the guns begin to shoot;"

[@howardwayne3974]

My favorite book was " barrack room ballads " had a lasting effect on me . I spent 10 years in the u . s. Marines as a result . ha ha . what a time !!!

[@nickjung7394]

Isn't this the truth?

[@araeagle3829]

A fantastic video as always. I had not realised just how tragic Kipling's life was. It brings me to the edge of weeping on his behalf. "IF" has been my favorite poem since I first read it at age 16. I will be forever grateful to my high school literature teacher, Ms Blakenship for introducing it to me. An elaborate framed copy was given to me for my Eagle Scout court of honor. It is still precious to me.

[@Tourist1967]

"If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster / and treat those two impostors just the same." is inscribed above the players entrance at Wimbledon's Centre Court.

[@MarkSmith-js2pu]

Araeagle, congrats to You and MS Blankenship

[@bobbylawsen9638]

Thank you very much for this presentation. We tend to over romanticize the lives of those who have been before us...as we tend to over romanticize about the past in general. I recall the Kipling stories as part of my grammar school years. The classics are in danger of being forgotten, done by design. But if I were to recommend one piece of sage advice to any young boy / teenager growing up today, it would be Kipling's poem "If-".

[@beanowa5496]

😆No wise person would read Kipling's book. This one... should end up in the dustbin of history, just like your Churchill and all the rest of that and earlier "elite"

[@marshallweaver4555]

I always loved the writings of Rudyard Kipling. In my graduation from 7th grade, which led to junior high and high school, I was chosen to memorize and recite the poem, "If", to the entire school, faculty and attending parents. I love the poem and it's attending struggle and final success as a man. I have thought of it often throughout my life. I read "The Jungle Book" to all three of my, now grown children, when they were very young. They loved it. I thoroughly enjoy all your posts. Thanks!

[@ullyesses-v1984]

I remember back in the early 70's coming across "If" in an old poetry book at home and choosing it to read in a "Speech" course I was taking in the 9th grade. I've always loved that poem.

[@tonynicholls7440]

History is one of my passions..... "IF" only I had found this channel sooner,

[@OriOfTangleWood]

This just went to the top of my favourite History Guy videos! I havn't seen all of them yet, but the raw emotion and powerful quotes of this episode are seriously moving. It is very well written and edited and performed. Thank you.

[@philomelodia]

I truly envy those who have yet to discover Kipling for the very first time. This is because you never get that awesome feeling of discovery twice for the same thing. I discovered him when I was a young man in college and it hit me like a thunderbolt. I read Kim when I was 18 and it fired my imagination with its vivid depictions of life in India at the turn of the last century. He was a great writer. His short stories, his poetry and even his longer writings are just so well written. I never knew that John Kipling had to use his father‘s influence to enlist. Sometimes, life gives us hints that something is not for us and we don’t listen much to our sorrow. The guilt Rudyard Kipling must’ve felt when his son was killed and the body was not recovered must have been immense. I have a son of my own now and he is an age that would’ve been snapped up in World War I by the draft office. I cannot imagine what it must’ve been like for him when he heard the news.

[@KatWilton]

I adore Kipling - his use of language was so rich and beautiful, and my daddy's gentle voice always echos in my ears when I re-read the Just So Stories. Thanks so much for this excellent video!

[@marilynkonrad8497]

Very well said. Thank you for sharing my own thoughts. ❤️

[@misterichi5246]

Really excellent and respectful video, really appreciate you not assaulting his legacy because of a narrow political view he held. It seems to be nearly impossible to find historical topics and events presented without superimposing contemporary, popular opinion. Thank you

[@EnTeaJay]

mister ichi you are right. Not only have we become the PC police, but also are mostly incapable of understanding other times, cultures and places. The patriotism Kipling not only wrote about, but demonstrated in his own life at such a high cost should be admired and emulated.

[@shadysif6220]

You mean the fact that Kipling was a pro imperialist. Or in modern terms a white supremacist. No one made him write "White Man's Burden". it's no coincidence that many of the same people who are quick to defend his diseased belief about genetic supremacy, are of the same race. And claim to be Christians, but act nothing like Christ. Your statement is thanking him for excluding relevant history. He was a rabid racist, who believed Whites were superior, and that it was a God given duty to "civilize", the natives. Stealing and slaughtering for the "greater good". Which led to civil wars, attempted genocides, world wars, the use of nuclear weapons, even more unstable regions, unholy alliances that created even more enemies, and bitter disputes that lead to more deaths to this day. Yep, Kipling and his beloved imperialist were right all along. Now, who were the real savages?

[@marilynkonrad8497]

Mister ichi. I agree with you. I enjoyed the video tremendously. The narrow political view he held was of his time and mind set. He contributed so much to the world. His Stirling observations shine through In his writing. Holding onto your beliefs publicly is a challenge both now and looking back in history. I have always admired this man since childhood. Being almost 79. I’m not going to change. A very wise man.

[@shadysif6220]

@@Rio_Seco You mean the advocates of historical accuracy. Either something is factual or it isn't.

[@shadysif6220]

@@Rio_Seco One positive would be the imperialist learning about God and Christ from the some of the very people they called themselves converting. Because most of them used the Bible as a tool of oppression, as they were too arrogant and filled with self righteous hubris to have a clue about real Christianity.

[@janebrown1706]

"and the dawn comes up like thunder outer China 'crost the bay" A heartbreaker - which haunts me because of the class system and racism, he left the girl behind in Mandalay. Love is so hard to find and you have to be smart enough to recognise it when it appears.

[@gracereeves5790]

"The Man Who Be King" is one of my favorite stories.

[@mshavisham8964]

WOW! I LOVE it when you recite poetry. You have the dramatic timing and voice for it. Well done. Thoroughly enjoyed this episode today. Thank you for all your hard work. I truly appreciate all you do for us. 😊 On another note: I lost one child, my 8 yo daughter Elizabeth to a rare cancer. It has made life barely liveable because you see she was my soulmate. The emptiness within me is profound. However, I cannot imagine losing two. I have a son left who was younger than his sister and I'm grateful for him. To think if losing both of them is unfathomable. I cannot imagine losing 💔 two. It would be the end of me.

[@Nocturnal_Rites]

My sincere and deepest condolences for your loss. I have only one child, who came after two miscarriages. (A double rainbow child, my SIL calls her.) I love my husband and I'd be devastated by his loss, but losing her is the one thing I know that would truly make me (and my husband) break beyond repair.

[@mshavisham8964]

@@Nocturnal_Rites It's very different too for those who get pregnant when the wind blows and what we went thru to have our girls. Took me 5 years to get her and I only got to keep her for 8. Losing her has broken me, you are spot on with that. Some people not so much. Yeah they bury and grieve but they move forward. Have a couple of more kids and there ya go. But then there are others. Thank you so very much for taking the time to express your sympathy. It means a great deal, esp now during the 6 weeks in between her birthday and her date of death. Hardest time of the year along with every holiday. Thanks ❤.

[@cuhurun]

An absolutely excellent video, thank you for your effort. Must say I really love the 1975 film 'The Man Who Would Be King', starring Michael Caine and Sean Connery, in which Kipling is portrayed in it's prologue and epilogue. For those who haven't seen it, from start to finish it was very well produced, and as entertainment, is still very worthwhile.

[@ronjones-6977]

Thank you for reminding me. I think it's time I go back and re-watch a bunch of John Huston movies.

[@malcolmscrivener8750]

@@ronjones-6977 African Queen

[@oscarwarren469]

Good brain work...the stuff we can't teach now.

[@donaldgoodinson7550]

One of the greatest poems ever penned.

[@mitzyismad]

For reasons of my own I found this your best 'History Guy'. My mother read Kipling to me as a very young child, I still have the book. My favourite phrase, which she often repeated, was from 'The Ballad of East and West'. "Oh, East is East, and West is West, and never the twain shall meet, Till earth and sky stand presently at God's great Judgement Seat; But there is neither East nor West, Border, nor Breed, nor Birth, When two strong men stand face to face, though they came from the ends of the earth!" Love your work.

[@susanhenshaw622]

This was one of my father’s favourite poets and now that he has past I remember him reciting If and what a memory that is for me. Thank you history guy :)

[@normamoore7024]

History Guy your oration of “If” was brilliant! I love all of your episodes, but this one was particularly superb! Thank you.👏😊

[@anihtgenga4096]

And did you notice that little catch in his voice in the last sentence?

[@tenderheart7530]

Your recitation of ‘If’ was so timely & brought tears. Thank you. ☮️

[@dustinbarham2579]

We where blessed, those that grew up reading Kipling. I love 'If' at the end, one of my favorites of all time. Thanks for this.