The Highest Good. Written for a High-School Annu
This poem explores the idea that true happiness and fulfillment come from living a simple, honest life, free from material possessions and worldly desires. The speaker argues that one's highest good can be achieved by cultivating virtues such as kindness, compassion, and humility. The poem also touches on the theme of mortality, suggesting that our time on earth is short and fleeting, and that we should focus on living in the present moment rather than accumulating wealth or status.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1887 · Genre: Inspirational, Religious, Educational · 39 words
First lines
To attain the highest good / Of true man and womanhood, / Simply do your honest best -- / God with joy will do the rest.
What this Textopian page supports
The Highest Good. Written for a High-School Annual is listed on Textopian as a poem by James Whitcomb Riley, 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: James Whitcomb Riley
- Date: 1887 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Inspirational, Religious, Educational, Poetry
- Length: 39 words
- Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Highest Good. Written for a High-School Annual by James Whitcomb Riley
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Genres
- Inspirational — The poem encourages individuals to strive for their best, promising divine support.
- Religious — It references God and suggests a spiritual reward for honest effort.
- Educational — Written for a high-school annual, it aims to impart moral lessons to students.
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, characteristic of poetry.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · High School Annual · 19th Century Poetry · Indiana Poet · Whimsy · Humor · Nature Imagery · Philosophical Themes · Moral Lessons · Coming of Age · Youthful Innocence