Teach your children well

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 politician,there is adedicated leader

And for every scoundrel there's a hero ..

Teach him also that for every enemy there's a friend. 

It will take time,I know but teach him,if you can,

Thata dollar earned is of far more value than five found

Teach him to learn to lose

And also to enjo y winning.

Steer him away  from envy ;if you can

Teach him  the secret of quiet laughter.

Let him learn early that the bullies are easy to lick .

Teach him if you can the wonders of books

But also give him time to ponder the eternal mystery

Of birds in the sky, 

Bees in the flowers and sun on a green hillside.

"In school teach him it is far more honourable to fail

Than to cheat

Teach him to have faith ihn his own ideas ,

Even if every one tells him he is wrong

Teach him to be gentle with gentle people

And tough with the tough.

Try to give him 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.

"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 bidder,

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.

Le t him have the patience to be brave.

Teach himalways to have sublime faith in himself,

Because then he will always have sublime faith in MANKIND

……..ABRAHAM LINCOLN.

 

(This is an extract of a letter written by Abraham Lincoln to the headmaster of his son's school.The values and ideals he speaks of continue to be relevant to this day .and for all times)