what is the main point of Abraham Lincoln's letter¿
Answers
Answer:
Abraham Lincoln’s Letter to his son’s headmaster is full of
his optimism and values he believed in; this letter reflects his greatness and
ideals he always held close to his heart. In this letter he urges his son’s
headmaster to instill in him these values to make him a great human being.
He asks him to teach his son faith in humanity. He should teach
him not to be discouraged by scoundrels, selfish politicians, and enemies as
there are heroes, dedicated leaders, and friends too. He asks him to teach him
the value of labour and hard-work; the necessity of going through failures in
order to appreciate success or victory. He asks him to teach him to stay away
from envy and to enjoy quiet laughter. He requests him to teach him that
bullies accept defeat quickly. He also urges the headmaster to teach his son
the wonders of reading books and deep quiet reflection on the beautiful
mysteries of nature.
Explanation:
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. All adventures that probably include wars, tragedy and sorrow. 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 10 cents 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 people, 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 tell him they are wrong.