Love Thyself Last
The poem explores the idea that one should prioritize their own happiness and well-being above all else, rather than sacrificing oneself for others. The speaker argues that loving oneself first allows one to love others more fully and truly, rather than draining one's own energy and resources trying to fulfill the needs of others.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1887 · Genre: Poetry, Inspirational, Philosophical · 249 words
First lines
Love thyself last. Look near, behold thy duty To those who walk beside thee down life's road. Make glad their days by little acts of beauty And help them bear the burden of earth's load.
Love thyself last. Look far and find the stranger Who staggers 'neath his sin and his despair; Go, lend a hand, and lead him out of danger, To heights where he may see the world is fair.
Love thyself last. The vastnesses above thee Are filled with Spirit-Forces; strong and pure And fervently these faithful friends shall love thee Keep thou thy watch o'er others and endure.
What this Textopian page supports
Love Thyself Last is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1887 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Date: 1887 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Inspirational, Philosophical, Religious
- Length: 249 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Love Thyself Last by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Love Thyself Last?
- How does this poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Things That Count by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- As You Go Through Life by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Three Things by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Life by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- The Optimist by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Courage by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Genres
- Poetry — The text is structured in verse and employs poetic devices such as rhyme and meter.
- Inspirational — The themes focus on selflessness, duty, and spiritual growth, aiming to inspire and uplift the reader.
- Philosophical — The work explores deep moral and existential questions about selflessness and the nature of true joy.
- Religious — References to Spirit-Forces, Heaven, and God's joys indicate a religious or spiritual dimension.
Tags
Romance · Poetry · Self-Love · Inspiration · Motivation · Personal Growth · Philosophy · Spirituality · Wellness · Mindfulness · Empowerment · Feminism