Abe Lincoln

Here is Abraham Lincoln's pretty progressive Letter to his Son's Teacher (for all you teachers out there!) I am sure he meant it to apply to his daughter too, if he had one ! Don't really get the line about bees in the sun, but oh well! I love the part about sublime faith!

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 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 honourable 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 tough people.

Try to give my son
the strength not to follow the crowd
when everyone else 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 is right.
Treat him gently
but do not coddle 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!