A Nice Citizen Essay

He will have to learn, I know,that all men atomic number 18 not just,all men are not true.But teach him also thatfor every scoundrel there is a herothat for every selfish Politician,there is a dedicated drawTeach him for every enemy there is a friend,Steer him away from envy,if you can,teach him the secret ofquiet laughter.Let him learn early thatthe bullies are the easiest to playTeach 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 common land hillside.In the school teach himit is far honourable to failthan to cheatTeach him to have faithin his own ideas,even if everyone tells himthey are incorrectlyTeach him to be gentlewith gentle people,and tough with the tough.Try to give my sonthe strength not to follow the crowdwhen everyone is getting on the deal wagonTeach him to listen to all menbut teach him also to filterall he hears on a screen of truth,and keep back only the goo dthat 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 too much sweetnessTeach him to sell his brawnand brain to the highest biddersbut never to put a price-tagon his heart and soul.Teach him to constrictive his earsto a howling moband to stand and fightif he thinks hes right.Treat him gently,but do not cuddle him,because only the riseof fire makes fine steel.Let him have the courageto be impatientlet him have the patience to be brave.Teach him alwaysto have grand 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