Meaning: The quote "The only society I like is rough and tough, and the tougher the better. There's where you get down to bedrock and meet human people." by Robert Service, the renowned poet, encapsulates his affinity for the rugged and unrefined aspects of human society. Robert Service, known for his poems that often portrayed the harsh realities of life, had a deep appreciation for the raw and unvarnished qualities of human existence. In this quote, Service expresses his belief that it is in the most challenging and demanding environments that one can truly connect with the essence of humanity.

Robert Service was a poet who gained widespread acclaim for his vivid and evocative portrayal of life in the rugged landscapes of the Yukon and Alaska during the Gold Rush era. His experiences in these untamed frontiers profoundly influenced his perspective on society and human nature. Service's affinity for the "rough and tough" society can be traced back to his experiences in these remote and demanding environments, where he witnessed the resilience and fortitude of individuals facing extreme conditions.

The quote reflects Service's belief that it is amidst adversity and hardship that people reveal their most authentic selves. In rugged and challenging societies, where individuals must confront the harsh realities of existence, there is a stripping away of pretense and artifice, allowing for genuine human connections to emerge. Service's use of the metaphor "bedrock" implies a search for the fundamental and unadorned aspects of human nature, free from the trappings of civilization and societal niceties.

Service's admiration for the "rough and tough" society also speaks to his rejection of superficiality and artificiality. He found value in the unpolished and unrefined aspects of life, believing that it is in these environments that one can truly understand the essence of human experience. His preference for the "tougher the better" suggests that he saw resilience and perseverance as essential qualities that are honed in challenging circumstances.

This quote can also be viewed in the context of Service's broader body of work, which often celebrated the indomitable human spirit in the face of adversity. In poems such as "The Cremation of Sam McGee" and "The Shooting of Dan McGrew," Service depicted characters confronting the harsh realities of the wilderness and the human capacity for endurance and survival. His portrayal of these rugged individuals resonated with readers who found in his verses a reflection of their own struggles and triumphs.

In conclusion, Robert Service's quote "The only society I like is rough and tough, and the tougher the better. There's where you get down to bedrock and meet human people" encapsulates his admiration for the unvarnished and unyielding aspects of human society. It reflects his belief that it is in the most challenging and demanding environments that the true essence of humanity is revealed. Service's experiences in the rugged landscapes of the Yukon and Alaska deeply influenced his perspective, and this quote serves as a testament to his appreciation for the resilience, authenticity, and fortitude that he found in the "rough and tough" societies he encountered.