ABRAHAM LINCON’S LETTER TO HIS SON’S TEACHER
He will have to learn, I know,
that all men are not just, all
men are not true. But teach him
also that for every scoundrel
there is a hero; that for every selfish politician,
there is a dedicated leader....
Teach him that for every enemy
there is a friend.
It will take time, I know;
but teach him, if you can that a
dollar earned is of far more
valuable than five pounds ...
Teach him to learn to lose ...
and also to enjoy winning.
Steer him away from envy,
if you
can, teach him the secret of
quiet laughter.
Let him learn early that
the bullies are the easiest to
lick .....
Teach him, if you can, the
wonder of books ....
But also give him quiet time
to ponder the eternal mystery of
birds in the sky, bees in the sun,
and flowers on a green
hill side.
In school teach him
it is far more honourable
to fail than to cheat .....
Teach him to have faith in his own
ideas,
even if everyone tells him they
are wrong ...
Teach him to be gentle with
gentle people, and tough with
the tough.
Try to give my son
the strength not to follow
the crowd when everyone is getting on the
bandwagon...
Teach him to listen to all
men but teach him also to
filter all on a screen of
truth,
and take only the good that
comes through.
Teach him, if you can, how
to laugh when he is sad ...
Teach him there is no shame
in tears.
Teach him to scoff at cynics
and to beware of too much
sweetness.
Teach him to sell his brawn
and brain to the highest
bidders,
but never to put a price tag
on his heart and soul.
Teach him to close his ears
to a howling mob ....
and to stand and fight
if he thinks he’s right.
Treat him gently,
but do not
cuddle him, because only the
test of fire makes fine
steel.
Let him have the courage
to be impatient .....
Let him have the patience to
be brave.
Teach him always to have
sublime faith in himself,
because then he will always
have sublime faith in mankind.
This is a big order, but see
what you can do ........
He is such a fine little
fellow, my son.