Below is a letter from Abraham lincoln to his son’s class teacher. I found it interesting.
| Respected teacher, My son 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. It will take time, I know, but teach him, if you can, that a dollar earned is of far more value than five 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 quite laughter. Let him learn early that the bullies are the easiest to lick. Teach him, if you can, the wonder of books but also give him quite time to ponder over the eternal mystery of birds in the sky, green in the sun and flowers on a green hill side. 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 every one 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 every one is getting on the bond 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 a howling mob. and to stand and fight if he thinks he’s right. Treat 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 himself because then he will always have sublime faith in mankind. This is a big order; but see what you can do He is such a fine little fellow, my son. ~ ABRAHAM LINCOLN. |
One of the most inspirational missives of all times..
Not just Mr. Lincoln, even I would love to say these to the teachers all over the world. But will our teachers lend an ear n an eye to what we have to say. Most of them will NOT. A bitter truth!
Have read this before but it never fails to inspire however many times you read it.