"He will have to learn. I know that all men are not
just and 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 him, 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 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 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
everyone tells him he is 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 everyone is getting on
the band wagon. 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 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'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."
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