From a Teacher to his Students

(This post is an adaptation from Abraham Lincoln's "Letter from a parent to a teacher". This is especially for all the Smart-ites who are at present excelling in various arenas in the world... May this help you all remain on the right track towards success in whatever field you all are in... Wishes and blessings from Smartha bhaiya, Aunty, Akshat and myself are always with you)


You of course know that all men are not just and that all men are not true. But, also, remember

that for every scoundrel, there is a hero;
that for every selfish politician, there is a dedicated leader;
that for every enemy, there is a friend;
that a rupee earned is of far more value than five found.

You must learn to lose, and also enjoy winning
Steer yourself away from envy, if you can
Learn the secret of quiet laughter

Appreciate the wonder of books;
But also have a quiet time to ponder
the eternal mystery of birds in the sky,
bees in the sun, and
flowers on a green hillside...

Remember that it is far more honorable to fail than to cheat
Have faith in your ideas, even if everyone tells you they are wrong
Be gentle with gentle people, and tough with the tough
Try not to follow the crowd when everyone is getting on the bandwagon

Listen to all men
But also filter all you hear
with a screen of truth
and take only the good
that comes through...

Try to laugh when you are sad
Be assured that there is no shame in tears
Close your ears to a howling mob
And stand and fight if you think you are right
Expect to be treated gently but do not allow yourself to be cuddled
Because only the test of fire makes fine steel

Have the courage to be impatient
But also have the patience to be brave
Have sublime faith in your Creator
and faith in yourself too
Because then you will always have faith in mankind

This ia a big order, I know, but please see what you can do...