I understand that he must learn that not all people are fair, not all are honest. But teach him that for every villain there is a hero, that for every selfish politician there is a devoted leader. Teach him that for every enemy, there is also a friend.
Teach him that one dollar earned is worth more than five dollars found.
Teach him how to lose with dignity and how to enjoy victory. If you can, keep him away from envy, and show him the quiet joy of laughter. Let him learn early that the easiest victory is pleasing bullies.
If you can, teach him to love books. Give him time as well — time to reflect on eternal mysteries: birds flying across the sky, bees dancing in sunlight, flowers growing on green hillsides.
When he is at school, teach him that it is far more honorable to fail than to cheat. Teach him to trust his own ideas, even when others tell him he is wrong.
Teach him to be gentle with gentle people and strong against the harsh. Try to give my son the strength not to follow the crowd that shifts to the winning side.
Teach him to listen to everyone, but also to weigh what he hears against truth, and to accept only what is good.
If you can, teach him to smile in times of sorrow. Teach him that tears are not shameful. Teach him to laugh at cynics and to avoid blind conformity.
Teach him to sell his mind and strength for the highest price, but never to put his heart or soul up for sale.
Teach him not to listen to the shouting crowd, yet to stand and fight when he believes he is right.
Be gentle with him, but not overly soft — for only through fire is steel truly tested.
Let him grow brave, so he may be intolerant of injustice. Let him be patient, so he may become courageous.
Teach him to always believe in himself — for then he will always have faith in humanity.