Girard-Perregaux Community: Kipling Poem — WatchProSite Forum Digest

Cookies · 2021-10-26T23:59:46Z

Explore Rudyard Kipling's "If" and its unexpected resonance within the WatchProSite community. Discover how luxury watch collectors share passions for literature and fine pens like Montblanc and Enzo Ferrari editions.

WPS member · Girard Perregaux forum

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Cookies, a respected member of the WatchProSite community, shares Rudyard Kipling's timeless poem "If," sparking a reflective discussion among collectors. This post highlights the unexpected intersections of luxury collecting, demonstrating how interests like fine watches, pens, and literature often converge for discerning enthusiasts. Cookies' initial post serves as a poignant reminder of enduring values that resonate across diverse passions.

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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!

Well, I admit I bought the Montblanc Writers Edition “Rudyard Kipling” pen, because this poem is partially inscribed on 2 areas of the pen.=D

There must be someone in GP who likes Rudyard Kipling too, because GP likes this photo on my instagram account

Write deeply, read deeply and think deeply…that is the mark of a man. I believe I’m quite a restrained person - that’s why I never ever post a photo of my entire watch collection at once, finding it quite crass.

Key Points from the Discussion

The discussion quickly revealed a crossover interest in luxury pens among watch collectors, with Cookies sharing a preview of an incoming Enzo Ferrari edition pen, available in red and platinum versions.
The line from Kipling's poem, "If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster and treat those two impostors just the same," is famously inscribed at the players' entrance to Wimbledon.
Another forum member expressed deep appreciation for Cookies' post, highlighting the intellectual value and camaraderie found within the community, and also complimented the shared pen.
The poem "Invictus" by William Ernest Henley is also a favorite among members, with one contributor noting a visit to Robben Island, which holds significance related to the poem's themes.
The closing lines of "Invictus" – "I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul" – were singled out as particularly impactful.
The poem "If" and "Invictus" are considered "pick me ups" by some members, who also appreciate the Montblanc pens shared in the thread.
One member humorously noted the poem's enduring relevance in a "woke world" and plans to share it with both nephews and nieces, acknowledging its timeless wisdom.

The Discussion

orahu

Oct 27, 2021

Thanks for sharing this inspiring poem. Glad to read it after a long day of meetings.

Oct 27, 2021

Hope it gives you a boost

I think a quote from this poem is written on the area where tennis players enter the court at Wimbledon. “If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster And treat those two impostors just the same..” Credit: pinterest

orahu

Oct 27, 2021

Excellent catch about Wimbledon — and, very appropriate.

hs111

Nov 6, 2021

Yes, these are splendid lines full of wisdom, but also some pain, yet still with positive vibes, as well !

And “ Invictus” is one of my absolute favs ; also have visited Robben Island in SA/ Cape Town “Invictus” is real affection, despite its coming from.. Thx for again sharing these lines ! Best, hs

ArmisT

Oct 27, 2021

Great composition all around.

This poem along with Invictus by Henley stick out in my mind as nice pick me ups. But I also appreciate that Montblanc pen. Thank you for sharing these.

Oct 27, 2021

Great poem by Henley too

I like this line: It matters not how strait the gate, How charged with punishments the scroll, I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.

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