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- Karl A. Menninger
I happened across this quote and was so touched by the words and meaning that I wanted to share it with you.
Teaching English for so many years gave me an opportunity to introduce my students to various cultures, philosophies, and, yes, atrocities that existed and do exist within our society. I felt that my purpose as a teacher was not only to teach grammar, literature and writing, but to eliminate the very smallness of individuals that make them hate or abuse those that they fear for some reason. For little is gained from hatred or oppression, but much is gained from love and compassion.
Self discipline and self confidence were two traits that I thought important to instill in my students. By acquiring self discipline, all would be able to control those things which weaken them or strengthen them, to develop good habits and life styles, and to achieve success and well being. Self confidence was necessary in order for students to set goals and strive toward their fulfillment. Hopefully, they would never fear that they were inadequate or unprepared for whatever life had in store for them. I reminded them always that a person without dreams is like a broken winged bird, unable to soar to immeasurable heights.
Unfortunately, as I watch or read the news, many are not bound by the constraints of self discipline or intelligence, and I am inundated with prejudice, anger, hatred and ignorance.
