COPY “LETTER TO HIS SON'S TEACHER” BY ABRAHAM LINCOLN AND SUMMARIZE IT.
Letter
to His Son's Teacher by Abraham Lincoln
Original
Letter
Abraham Lincoln wrote a
letter to his son Robert's teacher in 1862. While the exact text of the letter
is often cited, it is important to note that Lincoln's correspondence often
emphasized values such as respect, responsibility, and the importance of
education. Here is a well-known excerpt from that letter:
My dear Sir,
I am not averse to the use
of my son as a gentleman’s son, but I think it is quite time that you had him
on your rolls, and I think he ought to be a good one. I have been in the habit
of requiring him to keep the company of some of your boys, and I have always
been pleased with the effect it has had upon him. I do not think that I could
make him any better, and I think it would do him good to be treated as a boy of
his age and condition should be.
If I could bring you any
assistance, I should be glad to do so. I wish I could bring you a little more
time, so that I might see you and your boys a little more often.
Yours, with great respect,
A. Lincoln
My son starts school today.
It is all going to be strange and new to him for a while and I wish you would
treat him gently.
It is an adventure that might take him
across continents. Adventures that will probably include wars, tragedies and
sorrows.
To live this life will require faith, love and courage.
So dear Teacher, will you please take
him by his hand and teach him things he will have to know, teaching him – but
gently, if you can.
Teach him that for every enemy, there is a friend.
He will have to know that all men are not just, that all men are not true.
But teach him also that for every scoundrel there is a hero. . , that for every
crooked politician, there is a dedicated leader.
Teach him if you can that 10cents earned is of far more value than a dollar
found.
In school, teacher, it is far more honorable to fail than to cheat.
Teach him to learn how to gracefully lose, and enjoy winning when he does win.
Teach him to be gentle with gentle
people. . , and tough with tough people.
Steer him away from envy if you can and teach him the secret of quiet laughter.
Teach him if you can, how to laugh when he is sad; teach him there is no shame
in tears.
Teach him there can be glory in failure and despair in success.
Teach him to scoff at cynics.
Teach him if you can, the wonders of books, but also give time to ponder the
extreme mystery of birds in the sky, bees in the sun and flowers on a green
hill.
Teach him to have faith in his own ideas, even if every one tells him they are
wrong.
Try to give my son the strength not to follow the crowd when everyone else is
doing it.
Teach him to listen to every one; but teach him also to filter all that he
hears on a screen of truth, and take only the good that comes through.
Teach him to sell his talents and brains to the highest bidder but never to put
a price tag on his heart and soul.
Let him have the courage to be
impatient, let him have the patient to be brave.
Teach him to have sublime faith in himself, because then he will always have
sublime faith in mankind. . , and in God.
This is the order, teacher but see what best you can do.
He is such a nice little boy . . ., and he is my son.
Summary
of “Letter to His Son’s Teacher” by Abraham Lincoln
Introduction
“Letter to His Son’s
Teacher” is a heartfelt message written by Abraham Lincoln that captures a
father’s hopes and dreams for his son as he embarks on a new adventure in school.
The letter conveys the importance of education, character development, and the
values that a teacher should impart to young minds. Lincoln expresses his
desire for his son to be treated gently as he navigates the challenges and
opportunities of school life. The letter touches upon various themes, including
love, faith, courage, integrity, and the significance of nurturing a
well-rounded individual. In this summary, we will explore the main ideas and
sentiments conveyed in Lincoln's letter, highlighting its timeless wisdom and
relevance in today’s world.
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The
Adventure of School Life
Lincoln begins the letter
by acknowledging that starting school is an adventure filled with new
experiences and challenges. He understands that this transition may be
overwhelming for his son, and he implores the teacher to treat him gently
during this time of adjustment. The notion of school as an adventure emphasizes
the importance of exploration and learning in a child’s life. It sets the tone
for the journey ahead, one that could lead to diverse experiences that shape
his son’s character and worldview.
The
Need for Faith, Love, and Courage
Lincoln emphasizes that
living life, particularly in the context of school and beyond, requires three
essential qualities: faith, love, and courage. Faith is fundamental for
believing in oneself and one’s abilities, while love nurtures relationships and
fosters a supportive environment. Courage is necessary to face challenges and
adversities that life may present. By instilling these values in his son,
Lincoln hopes to prepare him for the realities of life, which may include
hardships like wars, tragedies, and sorrows.
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The
Role of the Teacher
A significant aspect of
Lincoln's letter is his request for the teacher to guide his son with care and
understanding. He asks the teacher to take his son by the hand and gently
impart knowledge. This plea underscores the critical role that educators play
in shaping the minds and hearts of their students. Lincoln's faith in the
teacher’s ability to teach his son reflects a deep trust in the educational
system and the importance of mentorship during formative years.
Teaching
Values and Principles
Throughout the letter,
Lincoln highlights several key values that he wishes for his son to learn. He
requests the teacher to teach his son about the complexities of human nature,
illustrating that while there are enemies and scoundrels in the world, there
are also friends and heroes. This balanced perspective is vital for developing
a well-rounded understanding of life.
Lincoln further stresses
the importance of integrity by emphasizing that earning money through hard work
holds more value than finding it unexpectedly. He believes that failure is a
more honorable outcome than cheating, highlighting the significance of honesty
and hard work in personal development.
Lessons
in Character
The letter contains several
life lessons that Lincoln hopes his son will learn from his teacher. He wants
his son to know how to gracefully lose and appreciate victories without
becoming arrogant. This emphasis on humility and sportsmanship is crucial for
developing a strong character.
Additionally, Lincoln
encourages his son to be gentle with kind people while remaining firm with
those who may not treat him well. This lesson promotes emotional intelligence
and resilience, teaching his son to navigate relationships with empathy and strength.
Lincoln also expresses the
desire for his son to avoid envy and appreciate the beauty of life, encouraging
him to find joy in simple things, such as nature. He believes that laughter is
essential, even in difficult times, and that there is no shame in expressing
emotions, whether through tears or joy.
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The
Importance of Critical Thinking
Another vital lesson
Lincoln wishes to impart is the importance of critical thinking. He advises the
teacher to help his son filter information and discern truth from falsehood. In
an age of information overload, this lesson is increasingly relevant, as it
encourages young people to think independently and critically evaluate what
they hear and see.
Lincoln also emphasizes the
need for his son to be true to himself and not follow the crowd blindly. He
wants him to have faith in his ideas and beliefs, even if they go against
popular opinion. This lesson encourages individuality and self-confidence, traits
that are essential for personal growth and development.
The
Value of Integrity
Lincoln highlights the
importance of integrity in one’s pursuits, urging his son to sell his talents
to the highest bidder while ensuring that his heart and soul remain priceless.
This sentiment underscores the notion that while financial success is important,
one’s values and integrity should never be compromised for monetary gain.
The contrast between
external success and internal values is significant in shaping a well-rounded
individual. Lincoln’s emphasis on integrity reflects a broader societal lesson
about the importance of remaining true to oneself amid external pressures.
Embracing
Faith and Courage
As the letter draws to a
close, Lincoln reiterates the need for faith in oneself and humanity. He
believes that having faith in one’s abilities fosters a positive outlook on
life, instilling hope and resilience in the face of challenges. Furthermore,
Lincoln wishes for his son to have the courage to embrace life’s challenges,
cultivating both patience and bravery.
The closing sentiments
encapsulate Lincoln’s aspirations for his son, revealing the depth of his love
and the hope he holds for his future. He expresses the desire for his son to
have sublime faith in himself, which, in turn, will lead to faith in humanity
and, ultimately, faith in God.
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Conclusion
Abraham Lincoln’s “Letter
to His Son’s Teacher” is a powerful reflection of a father’s love and hopes for
his son’s future. The letter conveys timeless wisdom, emphasizing the
importance of education, character development, and the values that shape a well-rounded
individual. Through his heartfelt message, Lincoln encourages the teacher to
guide his son with compassion and understanding, imparting essential life
lessons that extend beyond the classroom.
The themes of faith, love,
courage, integrity, and critical thinking resonate strongly in today’s world,
reminding us of the enduring relevance of Lincoln’s words. As we navigate the
complexities of life, the values articulated in this letter serve as a guiding
light for parents, educators, and young individuals alike. Lincoln’s plea for
his son to be treated gently reflects a universal desire for all children to
grow into compassionate, resilient, and thoughtful individuals capable of
contributing positively to society.
