A letter from

Mr. Abraham Lincoln

to his son’s Teacher

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 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 quiet time of wonder, 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 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 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 be
aware 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.

Teach 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!