LETTER FROM ABRAHAM LINCOLN 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

* Teach him that a dollar earned is of far more value 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 quiet laughter.

* Teach him 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 hillside.

* 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 him 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 truth and take only the good that comes through.

* Teach him how to laugh when he is sad; teach him there is no shame in tears.

* Teach him to close his ears to a howling mob; and to stand and fight if he thinks he is right.

* Teach 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 the creator and faith in himself too, because then he will always have faith in mankind.

* This is a big order, but please see what you can do;
He is such a fine little fellow, my son!



Abraham Lincoln