Abrahm
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.
Teach him if you
can that
10 cents earned is
of far more value
than a dollar
found.
Steer him away from
envy,
if you can,
teach him the
secret of
quiet laughter.
Let him learn early
that
the bullies are
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 flowers on a
green hillside.
In the school teach
him,
it is far
honourabale 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 howling mob
and to stand and
fight
if he thinks he’s
right.
Treat him gently,
but do not cuddle
him,
because only 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 only then
he will have
sublime faith in
mankind
This is a big
order,
but see what you can do……
He is such a fine
fellow
my son!
