ABRAHAM LINCOLN´S LETTER TO HIS SON´S TEACHER (1830) Dear 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 ofquiet laughter. Let him learn early thatthe bullies are the easiest to lick…Teach him, if you can,the wonder of books…But also give him quiet timeto ponder the eternal mystery of birds in the sky,bees in the sun,and the flowers on a green hillside. In the school teach himit is far honourable to failthan to cheat…Teach him to have faithin his own ideas,even if everyone tells himthey are wrong…Teach him to be gentlewith gentle people,and tough with the tough. Try to give my sonthe strength not to follow the crowdwhen everyone is getting on the band wagon…Teach him to listen to all men…but teach him also to filterall he hears on a screen of truth,and take only the goodthat 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 cynicsand to beware of too much sweetness…Teach him to sell his brawnand brain to the highest biddersbut never to put a price-tagon his heart and soul. Teach him to close his earsto a howling moband to stand and fightif he thinks he’s right.Treat him gently,but do not cuddle him,because only the testof fire makes fine steel. Let him have the courageto be impatient…let him have the patience to be brave.Teach him alwaysto have sublime faith in himself,because then he will havesublime 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, 1830
Posted on: Fri, 20 Sep 2013 22:45:24 +0000
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