Simple Creeds by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The poem explores the idea that people are often judged based on their appearance, social status, and material possessions rather than their inner character. The speaker argues that true greatness lies in kindness, compassion, and humility, and that these qualities should be valued above all else.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1896 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophy, Inspirational · 264 words
First lines
If this were our creed it were creed enough / To keep us thoughtful and make us brave; / On this sad journey o'er pathways rough / That lead us steadily on to the grave.
_Speak no evil_, _and cause no ache_, / _Utter no jest that can pain awake_; / _Guard your actions and bridle your tongue_, / _Words are adders when hearts are stung_.
If this were our aim, it were all, in sooth, / That any soul needs, to climb to heaven, / And we would not cumber the way of truth / With dreary dogmas, or rites priest given.
_Help whoever_, _whenever you can_, / _Man for ever needs aid from man_. / _Let never a day die in the West_, / _That you have not comforted some sad heart_.
What this Textopian page supports
Simple Creeds is listed on Textopian as a novel by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1896 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Date: 1896 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Philosophy, Inspirational, Religious, Self-Help
- Length: 264 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Simple Creeds 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
Similar titles
- Hidden Gems by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Best by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- If by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- If by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- See by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Love Thyself Last by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Genres
- Poetry — The text is written in verse form with a focus on rhythm and meter.
- Philosophy — The themes revolve around moral and ethical reflections on life and human behavior.
- Inspirational — The content aims to inspire and provide guidance on living a virtuous life.
- Religious — There are references to spiritual beliefs and the afterlife, though not tied to a specific religion.
Tags
Inspirational · Motivational · Poetry · Philosophical · Spiritual · Optimistic · Uplifting · Thought-provoking · Reflective · Contemplative · Meditative · Personal growth