Abraham Lincoln’s letter to his son’s teacher

                                                            
Respected Teacher,

My son will have to learn I know that all men are not just, all men are not true. But teach him also that for ever 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 far more valuable 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 tick.

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 hill –side.

In school teach him it is far more honourable 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 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 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.


Abraham Lincoln.

My Song

This song of mine will wind its music around you,

my child, like the fond arms of love.

The song of mine will touch your forehead

like a kiss of blessing.

When you are alone it will sit by your side and
whisper in your ear, when you are in the crowd
it will fence you about with aloofness.

My song will be like a pair of wings to your dreams,

it will transport your heart to the verge of the unknown.

It will be like the faithful star overhead
when dark night is over your road.

My song will sit in the pupils of your eyes,
and will carry your sight into the heart of things.

And when my voice is silenced in death,
my song will speak in your living heart.

~Rabindranath Tagore

Letter from a dad to his Son

      

                                     

Some say at 13 that you are becoming a man.  So what does that mean?

Let's start with what it is not.  Being a man is not measured by age.  Nothing magical happens when you turn 13, 18, 21, or for that matter 40.  Being a man is not measured by body hair.  Nor is it measured by height, the deepness of your voice or any other physical attribute.

It is important to understand that there is a difference between a boy and a man.  As a boy, your main concern is yourself.  It is all about having your needs met.  You're hungry; sad; happy; tired; awake; thirsty.  It is a self-centered view of the world.  A boy is a receiver; a man a giver.  Becoming a man is about the way you think and the way you act.

To think like a man, you need to focus on others around you.  See things through the eyes of other people.  Consider how your actions will affect others.  Consider how others feel and what their needs are.

It is not enough to simply think like a man - you must act like one - - especially during difficult times.  For it is in difficult times that your "true" character shines.  How will you behave under pressure?  Will you still look out for others and fulfill your obligations even when it is difficult?

Life will give you the opportunity to learn as you grow.  And life's lessons will come at unpredictable times and places.  Remember, anyone can be your teacher.  I encourage you to always be on the lookout for life's lessons and its teachers.

You'll have a life of endless opportunities.  You'll have your share of happiness and at times you'll be disappointed.  You'll face difficult decisions at times while others will be filled with parties and laughter.  You'll have victories as well as defeats.  You'll continue to make new friends.  You'll cry and laugh.  You'll be scared and contented.  Worried and confident.  You'll have doubt and at times a sense of invulnerability.  You'll see things repeated and at times you'll be surprised.

The lessons life has in store for you are unique to you.  You must master them before you can move past them.  Otherwise you'll be faced with the same challenges until you are able to deal with them.

Remember, you have choices.  How you live.  Whether you're happy.  How you deal with what life throws at you.  You always can choose how you react.  Even doing nothing, is a choice.  Try to avoid that.

My son, remember that "a man" is good.  He is gentle yet tough.  Sensitive yet strong.  Courageous yet responsible.

Be a man of good character.  Be honest.  Be truthful.  Don't lie, steal, cheat, or intentionally hurt someone.  Make tough decisions; don't hide from doing what's right.  Keep your promises.  Be consistent - someone who can be counted on.  Be your toughest critic.  And remember, if you don't want anyone to know something you did - then don't do it.

Be confident.  Stand up for what is right - even if others don't.  Resist peer pressure.  Be your own judge and jury.  Listen to that voice in your head and do the wise thing.

Remember your name.  It's been protected, honored, and passed down to you.  You are being entrusted with it.  It stays with you all of your life.  You pass it down in the condition in which you've kept it.  Treat it well, for you don't own it.  You're only the custodian for the next generation.

My son, family is important.  Protect your family.  Provide for your family.  Always put your wife and children first.  Be a good example.  Stay close with your siblings.  And pass down the lessons of life.

Work hard.  Don't be lazy.  Avoid mediocrity.  Believe in yourself.  Dream.

Make plans with the ability to improvise - you will have to "figure it out."  Remember, there is no one way to do anything.  Work until you've won.  NEVER quit.  Remember you are always capable of doing more than you think you can - so challenge yourself.

Continue to grow.  Stay curious.  Learn from those around you.  Listen.  Don't be a "know-it-all."  Always be learning.  Always improve your understanding.  Don't let your questions go unanswered.

Be a good communicator.  Share your feelings with those you love.  And most importantly, be able to hear and listen to those you love.  For the art of communication is to truly understand, appreciate, and connect with another human being.

Love yourself.  Accept your body.  Accept your mind.  Don't allow others to dictate how you feel about yourself.  Take pleasure in life.  Stay healthy.  Be honest with yourself - for better or worse.  Have self-respect.

Respect others.  Learn to say "you're sorry" - and mean it.  Do for others without looking for something in return.

Choose your friends well.  Look at their values.  Don't be prejudiced.  Do your friends bring out your best?  Are they supportive?  Avoid people who put you down.  Be a "stand-up guy." Your word is important.

Sometimes in life you'll win.  Sometimes you'll lose.  Life is not fair.  But, your losses can be even more important in shaping the man you become than the victories.  Learn from your losses.  Embrace them.

Maintain your sense of humor - especially when it involves laughing at yourself.  It keeps you humble.  It makes you more human, and allows others to become closer to you.

Appreciate what you have.

What you make of your life is up to you.  You have the tools and resources you need.  Your mother and I are proud of you.  We love you and are confident you are becoming a man.