If
What do you think the author is saying?
Saying
I believe Kipling is trying to tell the readers/audience what he thinks makes a good young man. He lists traits that he would want his son to follow. If you can do all of these things, you are a strong sf open minded person.
Doing
Kipling is giving advise to his readers/audience about how to carry yourself and be a good person. Kipling also gives examples of different situations that can help a person become a strong open minded person.
Meaning
Kipling means that all young men should have the qualities in the poem. To keep yourself true even when others aren't. If you keep yourself grounded and remember who you are, it is possible to be a strong open minded person.