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Abraham Lincoln's letter to his son's teacher...

He will have to learn, I know, that all men are not just, 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 time I know, but teach him if you can that a dollar earned is of far more value than five found, teach him 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 the school teach him it's far more honourable to fail than to cheat. 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 the tough.

Try to give my son the strength not to follow the crowd when everyone is getting on the bandwagon.

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 that 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 bidders, 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 is 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'll always have sublime faith in mankind.

That's a big order, but see what you can do because he's a fine little fellow, my son.

Don't expect perfection... I am only a child!

My hands are small, please do not expect perfection whenever I make a bed, draw a picture or throw a ball.

My legs are short, please slow down so that I can keep up with you.

My eyes have not seen the world as yours have, please let me explore it.

House work will always be there. I am young only for a short time. Please tell me about the world - willingly.

Please be sensitive to my needs. Treat me as you would like to be treated.

I am a special gift from God. Please treasure me as God intended you to do, holding me accountable for my actions, giving me guidelines to live by and disciplining me.

I need encouragement, not praise to grow. Go easy on the criticism, remember you can criticise the things I do, without criticising me.

Please give me freedom to make decisions concerning myself. Permit me to fall, so that I can learn from my mistakes. Then, someday I will be prepared to make the right decisions. Do not compare me with my sister, my classmate, or my friend.

Please take me to the place of worship regularly, setting a good example for me to follow. I enjoy learning more about my religion.

Courtesy: The Hindu