"Whatever you are, be a good one"-- Abraham Lincoln
Respected Teacher,
My son 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.
My son 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 far more valuable than five found.
Teach him to learn to lose and also to enjoy winning.
Steer him away from envy, if you can.
Teach him the secret of quite laughter. Let him learn early that
the bullies are the easiest to tick.
Teach him, if you can, the wonder of books…but also give him
quiet time to ponder over 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 honorable 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
he hears 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.
–Abraham
Lincoln.
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