Abraham Lincoln had once written a letter to the principal of his son's school. The letter read like this:
"He has to learn a lot yet. I know everyone can't be honest and truthful but if possible make him aware about the magic of books. With that give him some time to think about the mysteries of nature-how the birds fly, the bees hum in the sunlight and how the flowers bloom in the lush-green mountains. Teach him to be a failure rather than a success by deceit. The whole world may disapprove his thoughts but he must learn to believe in whatever he thinks. Teach him to be polite with the polites and tough with the toughs. Make him strong enough to stand apart from the crowd and not to be a sheep of the herd. Teach him to listen to everyone but accept only that which has been tested and fare better on the scales of truth.
Teach him to laugh in the crisis and not to feel shame in shedding tears.Teach him to snub the whimsical persons and beware of sugar-coated words. He must value his power and brain very high but never sell his heart and soul at any cost. Teach him to ignore the shouting crowd if he thinks he is right. Treat him gently but please don't over protect him because only hardships bring the best out of a person.
Make him so courageous that he can raise his voice and so persevere that he can show his bravery. Teach him to believe in himself so that he can have belief in the humanity.
I have many aspirations from my son. Lets see how you can help in this regard. Undoubtedly, my son is a nice boy."
-- ABRAHAM LINCOLN
