The poem describes the characteristics of an ideal man, stating that if one can remain calm and true to oneself when facing adversity, doubt, loss, and hardship, and continue persevering through challenges with integrity, virtue, and determination, then they will achieve great success and truly understand what it means to be a man. The poem provides a list of trials and tribulations one must be able to withstand through willpower and emotional control alone in order to attain this ideal.