Abraham Lincoln's famous letter to his son's Head Master 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 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 loose and also to enjoy winning. Steer him away from envy. If you can, teach him the secret of quiet laughter. 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 flowers on a green hillside. In school, teach him it's far more honourable to fail than to cheat.Teach him to have faith in his own ideas even if everyone tells him that his ideas are wrong. To be gentle with gentle people and tough with tough. Try to give my son the strength not to follow the crowd when everyone is getting on the bandwagon, 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 and that 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. Treat him gently but do not cuddle him because only the test of fire makes fine steel. Let him have the courage to be alone, 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. That's a big order, but see what you can do because he's a fine little fellow. - Abraham Lincoln ****************************************************************** * There is also lovely powerpoint attachment of the most beautiful underwater sea creatures. Patiently download and view this musical slideshow. |
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