ABRAHAM LINCOLN'S LETTER TO HIS SON'S TEACHER

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 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 dollars found
Teach him to learn to loose and also to enjoy winning.
Steer him away from envy if you can
Teach him the secret of quiet laughter
Teach him the wonders 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 hill
In school teach him it is far more honorable 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 tough people
Try to give him the strength not to follow the crowd when everyone is getting on the bandwagon.
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 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 is right
Teach him gently, but do not cuddle him because only the test of fire makes a 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 his 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!