1. Why did Abraham Lincoln write a letter to his son's teacher?
Ans; Abraham Lincoln wrote this letter as a father's heartfelt request to his son’s teacher. He wanted his son to receive more than just academic knowledge—he wanted him to learn life’s deeper values: honesty, courage, patience, self-respect, and kindness. Lincoln knew the world was harsh and unfair at times, so he wanted the teacher to prepare his son to face life with strength and integrity, to think independently, and to become a man of good character. It reflects Lincoln’s strong belief in the power of moral education alongside formal schooling.
2. What does Lincoln mean by saying "for every scoundrel there is a hero; that for every selfish Politician, there is a dedicated leader..."?
Ans; With this line, Lincoln reminds us that the world is a mix of good and bad people. While some people are dishonest or selfish, there are also many who are brave, kind, and selfless. He wants his son to learn not to become cynical or hopeless because of the bad in the world, but to have faith in humanity by recognizing the good that still exists. This balanced view is essential to developing a hopeful, strong, and fair outlook on life.
3. A child should be treated gently but not cuddled. Do you agree? Give your opinion.
Ans; Yes, I agree with this idea. Children should be treated with love and respect, but overprotecting them can make them weak and dependent. If a child is always cuddled and shielded from difficulty, they may not learn how to face challenges or develop resilience. Life involves struggle, and experiencing small failures or hardships can build strength, confidence, and independence. So, it's important to strike a balance—be supportive, but also allow the child to learn from experience.
4. "All men are not just, all men are not true." Comment on this statement.
Ans; This statement means that not everyone in the world is fair or honest. It’s a realistic lesson that prepares a child to face the world wisely. If a child grows up thinking everyone is kind and truthful, they may be easily hurt or deceived. By understanding this truth early, the child learns to be careful, to judge people by their actions, and to stand up for what’s right, even when others are not.
5. Why do you think Lincoln wants his son to steer away from envy and learn the secret of quiet laughter?
Ans; Lincoln wants his son to avoid envy because jealousy leads to bitterness and unhappiness. Instead of constantly comparing himself to others, his son should focus on his own path. “The secret of quiet laughter” suggests finding joy in simple things, being content, and maintaining inner peace. This kind of happiness is not loud or showy—it’s calm, deep, and lasting. It helps the child to live a more meaningful and balanced life.
6. Why does Lincoln not want his son to follow the crowd when everyone is getting on the bandwagon?
Ans; Lincoln wants his son to be an independent thinker. Following the crowd without thinking often leads to poor decisions. When people “get on the bandwagon,” they follow trends or popular opinions without questioning them. Lincoln wants his son to have the courage to stand alone if necessary and to do what is right, not just what is popular. This kind of moral strength is essential for true leadership and integrity.
7. What qualities did Lincoln want his son's teacher to teach him?
Ans; Lincoln asked the teacher to instill in his son values such as:
Self-confidence and faith in humanity
Honesty and hard work
Courage to stand for truth
Compassion for the weak
Wisdom to recognize truth and ignore lies
Ability to enjoy simple joys and endure sorrow
Respect for books and nature
Patience, bravery, and moral integrity
He wanted his son to be gentle but strong, brave yet humble, and above all, a man of character.
