LETTER FROM ABRAHAM LINCOLN TO HIS SON’S TEACHER

v 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.

v Teach him that for every enemy there is a friend.

v Teach him that a dollar earned is of far more value than five dollars found.

v Teach him to learn to lose and also to enjoy winning.

v Steer him away from envy, if you can.

v Teach him the secret of quiet laughter.

v Teach him the wonder of book; 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.

v In school, teach him it is far more honourable to fail than to cheat.

v Teach him to have faith in his own ideas, even if everyone tells him they are wrong.

v Teach him to be gentle with gentle people, and tough with tough people.

v Try to give him the strength not to follow the crowd when everyone is getting on the bandwagon.

v 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.

v Teach him how to laugh when he is sad.

v Teach him there is no shame in tears.

v Teach him to close his ears to a howling mob; and to stand and fight if he thinks he’s right.

v Teach him gently, but do not cuddle him, because only the test of fire makes fine steel.

v Let him have the courage to be impatient, let him have the patience to be brave.

v Teach him always to have sublime faith in his Creator and faith in himself too, because then he will always have faith in mankind.

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

                                                                                              Abraham Lincoln