Most parents agree that their children should be given every opportunity to pursue an education. But very few among them, even among those who are most serious and sincere, know that the first thing to do, in order to be able to educate the child, is to educate oneself — to become conscious and master of oneself so that one does not set a bad example to one’s child. For it is through example that education becomes effective.
To say good words, give wise advice to a child has very little effect, if one does not show by one’s living example the truth of what one teaches.
Sincerity, honesty, straightforwardness, courage, unselfishness, patience, endurance, perseverance, peace, calm, self-control are all things that are taught infinitely better by example than by beautiful speeches.
Fields, R., et al., “Chop Wood, Carry Water”
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