I will like us to ponder this words that is attributed to one of the greatest president of America, Abraham Lincoln, which he wrote to his son’s teacher. This can be a guide to how we treat our children.
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 pound. Teach him to learn to lose and also to enjoy winning. Steer him away from envy, if you can. Teach him secret of quite laughter. Teach him the wonder of book; but also give him quite time to ponder the eternal mystery of birds in the sky, bees in the sun, and flowers on a green hill side.
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 band wagon. Teach him to listen to all men, but teach him also to filter all he learns on a screen of 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 howling mobs; and to stand and fight if he thinks he is right.
Treat him greatly, but do not cuddle him, because only the best of fire makes fine steel. Let him have 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 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
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 pound. Teach him to learn to lose and also to enjoy winning. Steer him away from envy, if you can. Teach him secret of quite laughter. Teach him the wonder of book; but also give him quite time to ponder the eternal mystery of birds in the sky, bees in the sun, and flowers on a green hill side.
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 band wagon. Teach him to listen to all men, but teach him also to filter all he learns on a screen of 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 howling mobs; and to stand and fight if he thinks he is right.
Treat him greatly, but do not cuddle him, because only the best of fire makes fine steel. Let him have 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 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
