- 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 for every enemy, there is a friend.
- Steer him away from envy, if you can.
- Teach him the secret of quiet laughter.
- Let him learn earlier that bullies are the easiest to tick.
- Teach him, if you can the wonder of books.
- But also give him time to ponder the eternal mystery of birds in the sky, bees in the sun, and the flowers on a green hillside.
- In the school, teach him that it is far honourable to fail than to cheat.
- Teach him to have faith in his own ideas, even if everyone tells him that they are wrong.
- Teach him to be gentle with gentle people and tough with tough people.
- Try to give my son the strength not to follow crowd, when everyone is getting on the band wagon.
- 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 there is no shame in tears.
- Teach him to scoff at cynics and beware of too much sweetness.
- Teach him to sell his brawn and brain to the highest bidder 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 patient to be brave.
- Let him have courage to be impatient.
- Teach him to always have sublime faith in himself, because then, he will have sublime faith in mankind.
- This is a big order but see what you can do.
- He is such a fine fellow, my son!