Sunday, January 17, 2010

Abraham Lincoln'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 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 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 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!
    Source URL: https://logoswallpapers.blogspot.com/2010/01/abraham-lincoln-letter-to-his-son.html
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