LETTER FROM A LOVING FATHER TO A 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 for every enemy there is a friend, 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 the flowers on a green hillside.
In the 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 band wagon.
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 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!\
A. Lincoln
===
From a letter written by Abraham Lincoln to the Headmaster of a
school in which his son was studying.