Success is a universal aspiration, often depicted in poetry as a journey of perseverance, self-discovery, and resilience. The following twelve poems, written by some of the most renowned poets in history, offer profound insights into the nature of success. Each poem is accompanied by an excerpt and an analysis to explore how the poet defines and celebrates success in life.
12 Great Poems About Success in Life of All Time
1. “If—” by Rudyard Kipling
“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…”
Kipling’s “If—” is a blueprint for success built on resilience, integrity, and composure. The poem suggests that true success is not merely external achievements but the ability to remain steadfast in the face of hardships and victories alike. The final lines emphasize the reward—mastery over oneself and the world.
2. “Success” by Emily Dickinson
“Success is counted sweetest
By those who ne’er succeed.
To comprehend a nectar
Requires sorest need.”
Emily Dickinson presents an ironic and poignant view of success. She argues that those who have never attained success understand its value the most. This perspective challenges conventional notions of success, highlighting that true appreciation often comes from deprivation.
3. “Invictus” by William Ernest Henley
“I am the master of my fate,
I am the captain of my soul.”
“Invictus” is a poem of resilience and inner strength. Henley, who faced personal hardships, writes about the indomitable spirit that defines success. The poem suggests that true triumph comes from self-mastery and unwavering determination.
4. “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost
“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.”
Frost’s poem explores the concept of success as the result of choices. The “road less traveled” symbolizes unconventional paths, suggesting that true success often comes from forging one’s own way rather than following the crowd.
5. “Opportunity” by John James Ingalls
“Master of human destinies am I;
Fame, love, and fortune on my footsteps wait.”
Ingalls personifies opportunity as a force that rewards those who seize it. The poem conveys that success depends on recognizing and acting upon the right moment, a lesson that is as relevant today as it was when it was written.
6. “A Psalm of Life” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
“Lives of great men all remind us
We can make our lives sublime,
And, departing, leave behind us
Footprints on the sands of time.”
Longfellow’s poem emphasizes that success is about leaving a meaningful legacy. It encourages readers to act with purpose, inspire others, and create something enduring through their efforts.
7. “Dreams” by Langston Hughes
“Hold fast to dreams,
For if dreams die,
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.”
Hughes presents success as deeply tied to holding onto one’s dreams. The poem conveys the idea that aspirations give life meaning and direction, reinforcing the necessity of persistence in achieving success.
8. “Still I Rise” by Maya Angelou
“Just like moons and like suns,
With the certainty of tides,
Just like hopes springing high,
Still I’ll rise.”
Angelou’s powerful poem redefines success as resilience in the face of adversity. It speaks to overcoming oppression, criticism, and obstacles with grace and determination.
9. “Ulysses” by Alfred, Lord Tennyson
“To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.”
Tennyson’s “Ulysses” is a reflection on the restless spirit of ambition. The poem suggests that success is not about resting on one’s laurels but continually pushing forward, seeking new challenges, and embracing lifelong growth.
10. “O Me! O Life!” by Walt Whitman
“That you are here—that life exists and identity,
That the powerful play goes on, and you may contribute a verse.”
Whitman defines success as the ability to contribute meaningfully to life. The poem suggests that every individual has a role to play in the grand narrative of existence, and fulfillment comes from recognizing and embracing this purpose.
11. “Desiderata” by Max Ehrmann
“Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
And remember what peace there may be in silence.”
“Desiderata” presents success as a balanced life of wisdom, peace, and ethical living. Ehrmann emphasizes inner tranquility and kindness as the ultimate measures of a successful life.
12. “The Man in the Glass” by Peter Dale Wimbrow Sr.
“You may fool the whole world down the pathway of years,
And get pats on the back as you pass,
But your final reward will be heartaches and tears,
If you’ve cheated the man in the glass.”
This poem highlights personal integrity as the essence of success. The “man in the glass” represents one’s own reflection, underscoring the idea that true achievement is being able to respect oneself.
Conclusion
These twelve poems offer diverse perspectives on success, from resilience and perseverance to ethical living and personal fulfillment. Whether emphasizing self-mastery, the pursuit of dreams, or the impact of choices, each poem teaches that success is a deeply personal and multifaceted concept. In reading these works, we are reminded that true achievement is not measured merely by external validation but by the strength, integrity, and purpose with which we navigate life.
