In English
Truth and Self-confidence are the Keys to Success in Life
Abraham Lincoln, who rose to become the President of America, was born in a poor family. His father was a carpenter. His mother worked hard to earn a little money to educate him. Their income was barely enough to run the family. Lincoln had to face many hardships. He did not have even proper dress to wear. When he went to school, his schoolmates made fun of him as he was shabbily dressed. Unable to bear their taunts, one day Lincoln went to his mother and wept bitterly. She enquired as to what the matter was. Lincoln said, “Mother, all my schoolmates look down upon me because I am poor and do not have a good dress to wear. They dislike my company.” Then his mother pacified him, saying, “Son, you should understand our financial condition and act accordingly. Your schoolmates talk in this manner because they are well-to-do. We have to conduct ourselves keeping our financial condition in view. We are not rich. We have to face this situation with fortitude.” She drew him close, wiped his tears and said, “You should not feel unhappy over such a trivial matter. We do not have rich friends and relatives. But we are rich in self-respect and self-confidence. Understand that self-confidence is our true wealth. One with self-confidence and self-respect is the richest of all. Money and comforts are transient. So, strengthen your self-confidence and self-respect. They will certainly bestow on you all prosperity. Do not get carried away by what others say.” These words of wisdom made an indelible impression on the tender heart of Lincoln. He started believing that self-confidence was his true wealth and his very life-breath. He stopped paying heed to the taunts of his schoolmates and continued his studies with determination. As there was no light in his house, he used to study under streetlights at night. At times, he had no food to eat and went to sleep after drinking a cup of water. His mother used to work day and night tirelessly to make both ends meet. Sometimes, she used to starve herself in order to feed her son. Lincoln lost his mother when he was still a child. So, his father Thomas married again. His stepmother was a noble lady and looked after Lincoln with love and affection. She also taught Lincoln to develop self-confidence. Lincoln was happy under her loving care. He paid glowing tributes to her, saying that he never thought that a stepmother could be so kind and compassionate as she was towards him. He made all efforts to keep her happy.