A must read letter written by Abraham Lincoln to his son’s teacher :
“He will have to learn, I know, that all men are not just. 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 pound. Teach him to learn to loose and also to enjoy winning. In school, it is far more honorable to fail than to cheat. Teach him to have faith in his own ideas, even if every one tells him that they are wrong. Teach him to be gentle with the gentle, 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 that 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 tom 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.
Teach him gently, but don’t cuddle him because only the test of fire make fine steel.
Let him have the courage to be impatient, let him have to patience to be brave. Teach him always to have sublime faith in himself 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.”
