Abraham Lincoln once wrote a letter to his son’s school teacher. It is very insightful. I hope you enjoy.
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.
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 books.
But also give him quiet time to ponder the eternal mystery of birds in the sky,
bees in the sun, and the flowers on a green hillside.
In the school teach him it is far 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 band 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 have sublime faith in mankind.
This is a big order, but see what you can do.
He is such a fine fellow, my son !
14 Responses
This is such a great article. These lessons are timeless.
A great message revisited. This is one of the most beautiful piece of writing.Such lessons are evergreen.Unfortunately, parents dont spare time for kidz anymore….
His letter will 4eva remain fresh, educative, guiding n a standard for a better upbringing of a child. My children will imbibe it.
Really a great and bold piece of writing,but how many parents care to imbibe these qualities in their children.I strongly wish that copies of this letter should be pasted on the notice board of each and every school in every corner of the world.I salute to the writer “Lincoln The Great”.
The year is 2012 the place is Karachi Grammar School, where a ceremony was held for those. students who were “high achievers” of this year.My grand daughter, Ayat Siddiqui was one of them.This letter,written by Mr. Lincoln’ was read aloud and there was a pin drop silence!
My son who passed away when Ayat was just 2 years old, shared the same views ,as Mr Lincoln.He would have been very proud of his daughter today.
WHAT A GREAT MAN LINCOLN IS! THE CLUELESS GOVERNOR OF NEW JERSEY, CHRISTIE, WHO HAS NEVER BEEN AN EDUCATED MAN AND WHO TRIES TO BULLY HIS WAY TO ACHIEVE RESPECT SHOULD READ DR. LONCOLN’S LETTER AND PERHAPS (BUT I DOUBT IT) HE WILL KNOW WHY TEACHING IS A NOBLE PROFESSION.
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