A Nice Citizen Essay

He will have to learn, I know,that solely men ar non just, entirely men are not true.But teach him also thatfor every scoundrel there is a herothat for every selfish Politician,there is a dedicated loss leaderTeach him for every enemy there is a friend,Steer him past from envy,if you can,teach him the secret of silent laughter.Let him learn early thatthe bullies are the easiest to lickTeach him, if you can,the wonder of booksBut also give him quiet timeto ponder the eternal mystery of birds in the sky,bees in the sun,and the flowers on a green hillside.In the school teach himit is far noble to failthan to cheatTeach him to have faithin his hold ideas,even if everyone tells himthey are wrongTeach him to be propitiatewith gentle people,and tough with the tough.Try to give my sonthe strength not to trace the crowdwhen everyone is getting on the band wagonTeach him to comprehend to all men sole(prenominal) teach him also to filterall he hears on a screen of truth,and take only the terminationthat comes through.Teach him if you can,how to laugh when he is sadTeach him there is no shame in tears,Teach him to scoff at cynicsand to beware of as well as much sweetnessTeach him to sell his brawnand brain to the highest bidders merely never to put a price-tagon his heart and soul.Teach him to close his earsto a howling moband to stand and fightif he thinks hes right.Treat him gently,but do not cuddle him,because only the testof fire makes exquisitely steel.Let him have the courageto be impatientlet him have the patience to be brave.Teach him foreverto have sublime faith in himself,because then he will havesublime faith in mankind. This is a big order,but see what you can doHe is such a fine little fellow,my son