A letter from a mother to her son

Teach him that for every scoundrel there is a hero; that for every dishonest politician, there is a devoted leader; that for every enemy there is a friend. Teach him the wonders of books. Give him quiet time to think over the mystery of birds in the sky, bees in the sun, and flowers on the green hills. Teach him it is far more honorable to fail than to cheat. Teach him to have faith in his own ideas, even if everyone else tells him they are wrong. Teach him to sell his strength and brains to the highest bidder, but never to put a price on his heart and soul. Teach him to close his ears to a howling crowd... and to stand and fight if he thinks he's right. Teach him gently, World, but don't spoil him, because only the test of fire makes fine steel.