Janeane's World: Published By James, Davis, and Associates

Empowering scholars to succeed and thrive through encouragement, inspiration, and motivation.

“Advice” by Langston Hughes and 3 Lessons for Scholars

A woma sitting at a table in frot of a bookshelf looking serious

Today, we’re exploring Langston Hughes’ poem “Advice” and the valuable lessons it offers for scholars. Poetry, much like scholarly work, can present profound insights, often in a way that resonates deeply while encouraging personal reflection. Let’s take a look at three key lessons from Hughes’ work that can be applied to scholarly life.

Let’s start by checking out the poem.

A woma sitting at a table in frot of a bookshelf looking serious

Advice by Langston Hughes

Folks, I’m telling you,

birthing is hard

and dying is mean-

so get yourself

a little loving

in between.

1. Life is Challenging

The first lesson from Hughes’ poem is that life is hard. The narrator begins by plainly stating that life is difficult, from birth to death. This unflinching truth is something every scholar can relate to. Whether navigating rigorous coursework, balancing research with other responsibilities, or facing moments of self-doubt, scholars know that the academic journey is far from easy. It’s a process full of challenges that demand perseverance, resilience, and hard work. Scholars need to acknowledge that while the path may be tough, it’s part of the process—and embracing this reality will help them build the mental fortitude needed for success.

2. Everything Comes to an End

The second lesson in the poem is the inevitability of endings. Hughes’ reference to death as “mean” reminds us that all things, including our projects, papers, and even our careers, will eventually come to an end. For scholars, this means that while giving your all to your research and academic endeavors is essential, it’s equally important to remember that no pursuit lasts forever. This perspective can help scholars approach their work with purpose and urgency, knowing that each project is part of a larger academic journey. It also encourages scholars to plan for the future, whether that means finishing a degree, transitioning to new academic challenges, or preparing for life after graduation.

3. Everyone Deserves Happiness

The third lesson in Hughes’ poem is a reminder that everyone deserves happiness. The narrator encourages people to find moments of joy despite the difficulties they face. This is a valuable lesson for scholars, who are often consumed by deadlines, pressure, and the constant push for achievement. It’s crucial to find balance and make time for happiness, whether that’s through relationships, hobbies, or simply taking time to rest. Overworking and neglecting personal well-being can lead to burnout and hinder overall success. Scholars should strive to enjoy the academic journey as much as they value the outcomes, understanding that happiness and fulfillment are key components of sustaining long-term success.

In Conclusion:

Langston Hughes’ “Advice” offers more than just life lessons for general readers; it provides meaningful reflections that scholars can use to navigate their academic paths. By recognizing that life is challenging, understanding that all things come to an end, and prioritizing happiness along the way, scholars can maintain a healthy, balanced, and successful academic life.

Take a moment to reflect on these lessons—how can they influence your academic journey? Share your thoughts in the comments below. You never know how your insights might help a fellow scholar find their breakthrough.

If you want to read more about valuable lessons check out:

3 Lessons From People Who Refuse to Take Action Now

There are 3 lessons I have learned from people who refuse to TAN aka Take Action Now. A smart entrepreneur can learn something new every day if she tries. There are some people who take action now and get things done. Click here to read more.

and

“The Harder They Fall” and 3 Excellent Lessons for Entrepreneurs

Recently, I watched the Netflix movie, “The Harder They Fall” and it had three lessons for entrepreneurs. These lessons are: sometimes things are hard, you cannot sit around waiting for destiny, loyalty doesn’t last forever for everyone. Click here to read more.

Also, check out our Confidence Tip of the Day YouTube channel for hundreds of videos on creating the confidence you need to succeed.