He will have to learn, i know, that all men are not true. But teach him also that for every Scoundrel there is a hero, that for every selfish politian, there is a dedicated leader.
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Teach him that for every enemy there is a friend.
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Teach him that a dollar earn is of more value than five found.
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Teach him to learn lose and to enjoy winning. Steer him away from envy if you can.
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Teach him the secret of quiet laughter.
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Teach him 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.
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In school,teach him to know that it is more honorable to fail than to cheat.
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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.
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Try to give him the strength on the bandwagon.
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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.
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Teach him how to laugh even when he is sad.
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Teach him there is no shame in tears.
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Teach him to close his ears to a howling mob and to stand and fight if he thinks he is right.
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Treat him gently but do not cuddle him because only the test of fire makes fine steel.
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Let him have the courage to be impatient and let him have the patience to be brave.
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Teach him always to have sublime faith in his creator and faith in himself too, because then he will always have faith in man kind…

A Letter of Abraham Lincoln to his son’s teacher