Abraham
Lincoln’s Letter to his Son’s Headmaster
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.
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
lose...and also to enjoy winning. Steer him away from envy, if you
can, teach him the secret of quiet laughter. Let him learn early that
the bullies are the easiest to lick...Teach him, if you can, the
wonder of a 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.
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 the tough. Try to give my son 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, 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 is right.
Treat
him gently, but do not coddle 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!
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