What Man May Learn, what Man May Do

Name: What Man May Learn, what Man May Do
Author: Robert Louis Stevenson

The work explores the themes of human experience, wisdom, and moral conduct. It reflects on the journey of life, emphasizing the lessons learned and the actions taken throughout one's years. The speaker acknowledges the complexity of existence, where knowledge can often be misunderstood or forgotten. The text highlights timeless wisdom, urging individuals to listen, speak truthfully, and maintain a youthful spirit. It advocates for kindness and integrity in actions, suggesting that these principles are universal across time and cultures. The speaker recognizes the continuity of human experience, likening it to the growth of oaks and the flow of rivers, suggesting that despite the passage of time, fundamental truths remain constant. The work serves as a meditation on the nature of learning and doing, emphasizing the importance of applying wisdom in daily life. It calls for self-reflection and the pursuit of moral clarity, encouraging readers to navigate their lives with purpose and compassion. The overarching message is one of resilience and the enduring quest for understanding and virtue in the human condition.

By Robert Louis Stevenson · First published 1887 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Inspirational · 184 words

First lines

WHAT man may learn, what man may do, Of right or wrong of false or true, While, skipper-like, his course he steers Through nine and twenty mingled years, Half misconceived and half forgot, So much I know and practise not.

Old are the words of wisdom, old The counsels of the wise and bold: To close the ears, to check the tongue, To keep the pining spirit young; To act the right, to say the true, And to be kind whate'er you do.

Thus we across the modern stage Follow the wise of every age; And, as oaks grow and rivers run Unchanged in the unchanging sun, So the eternal march of man Goes forth on an eternal plan.

What this Textopian page supports

What Man May Learn, what Man May Do is listed on Textopian as an essay by Robert Louis Stevenson, dated 1887 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Essay
Author: Robert Louis Stevenson
Date: 1887 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Philosophical, Inspirational, Literary, Didactic
Length: 184 words
Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)

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Work identity for What Man May Learn, what Man May Do by Robert Louis Stevenson
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Genres

Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhythm and meter, characteristic of poetry.
Philosophical — The themes explore moral and ethical questions about right and wrong, reflecting philosophical inquiry.
Inspirational — The text conveys motivational messages about wisdom, kindness, and personal growth.
Literary — The writing style is reflective and contemplative, typical of literary works that focus on human experience.