Abraham Lincoln's Letter To His Son's Headmaster


I laid my hands on this piece courtesy: Indian Institute of Coal Management and My Father, way back in time when I would have been in Class III - IV types. But since then this piece has always remained with me in my diary. It is definitely worth a read or even more, so am sharing it here with those who want to find meaning in these words.

Dear Sir,

"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 loose.. 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 bullies are the easiest to kick.

Teach him, if you can, the wonder of books.. but also give him quiet time to ponder over 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 thank 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 to 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 ones that comes through".

"Teach him, if you can, how to laugh when he is sad... Teach him that 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 brains 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 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 !!"

Comments

  1. Inspiring stuff! Good choice.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mr. Anonymous - thank u :-)

      ( would you mind mentioning your name though :-P )

      Delete

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