The Two Brothers
The poem The Two Brothers shares a powerful lesson about how our beliefs and attitudes can shape the direction of our lives.
Updated December 17, 2025, by Catherine Pulsifer
This poem tells the story of twin brothers who are given very different names, Can and Can’t, and those names come to represent how they approach life. As time passes, we see how belief, confidence, and a positive outlook help one brother succeed, while doubt and discouragement lead the other toward struggle. Through this contrast, the poem shows how our thoughts influence our actions and the choices we make each day.
The lesson shared here is one that applies to people of all ages. When we believe in ourselves and focus on what is possible, we are more likely to try, to grow, and to keep going even when life feels difficult. This poem encourages us to choose words and attitudes that build confidence, both in ourselves and in those we care about, reminding us that an “I Can” attitude can make a lasting difference.
The Two Brothers
By Lucien M. Lewis
There were twin brothers, we are told,
Whose mother at their hour of birth
To satisfy some curious whim,
Gave them the oddest names on earth.
She named one Can, the other, Can't,
And, lest confusion might be made,
She stamped their names upon their breasts.
In letters that would never fade.
Time passed; Can was a wondrous man,
God-like in every thought and deed.
And somehow everything he touched
Straightway would prosper and succeed.
Can't was the victim of bad luck.
And failed at everything he tried;
'Till finally, the story goes,
Bad luck assailed him and he died.
O mothers of the sons of men,
O mothers of the race to be.
Stamp only Can upon their breasts;
Stamp deep that all the world may see!
Analysis of The Poem, The Two Brothers:
This poem shows us how we see ourselves, and what we believe about our abilities can have either a positive or negative impact on our lives. Can, with a positive
name and mindset, thrive and succeed in life. Conversely, Can't, burdened by his negative name, struggles and ultimately fails.
The poem reminds us the names and labels we give ourselves and others can have an impact on the type of life we lead. Our success is tied to our self-beliefs.
The poem teaches us an important lesson about raising our kids. It tells us to make sure they believe in themselves from the start. We should encourage them to think positively and aim for success, just like the brother named "Can" in the poem. Instead of focusing on limitations and failures, like the brother called "Can't," we should help them see the possibilities in life.
In summary, the poem reminds us that our beliefs about our abilities do shape our lives.
Brief Bio of The Poet:
Little is known about Lucien M. Lewis. While we don't have the biographical details, we can see that Lewis's work has encouraged readers to focus on what they can do.
In his poem, Two Brothers, he explores how your mindset can shape one's destiny.
We believe Lewis's poem makes us ponder the potential each of us has within us and our attitudes and beliefs about ourselves.
Encouraging Quotes that Support The I Can Attitude:
"Believe you can and you're halfway there."
"The mind is everything. What you think, you become."
"If you can dream it, you can do it.”
"You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream."
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts.”
Popular Pages:
Attitude Poems - Discover poems that show how a positive attitude can shape your choices, strengthen your spirit, and lead you toward success.
I Can't and I Can - Explore a powerful poem that reminds us how our words and beliefs can either limit us or help us grow.
Some One Can Do It - Be encouraged by verses that remind you that with effort, faith, and belief, progress is always possible.
Never Say I Can't - Read poems that inspire you to replace doubt with determination and keep moving forward even when challenges arise.
Attitude Quotes - Find thoughtful quotes that highlight how your mindset influences your actions and the direction of your life.
Conclusion
The poem The Two Brothers reminds us that what we believe about ourselves truly matters. When we choose an “I Can” mindset, we open the door to growth, confidence, and opportunity. Life will still bring challenges, but our attitude helps determine how we respond to them. May this poem encourage you to speak words of belief over yourself and others, especially the next generation, so that hope, effort, and possibility take root and continue to grow.
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