LETTERS: DON'T BE TOO HASTY

To the editor:

Never before had I heard of the edition "Chicken Soup for the Soul" by Jack Canfield and Victor Hansen until a friend gave it to me to read. I now realize my lack of knowledge. The book seems to be creating interest, perhaps the reason for my sudden attention. I have become definitely more knowledgeable concerning the once-great men of our fine country.

Little did I know or expect Albert Einstein would not be able to speak English until he was 4 years of age, nor could he read until he was 7 years of age. He was also expelled from school at one time.

Little did I know the great Beethoven's teacher once said he was hopeless, when later he arose to great fame.

Little did I know the honorable Winston Churchill failed the sixth grade, when later he became the prime minister of Great Britain.

Nor did I know Thomas Edison's teacher said he was "too stupid to learn."

All of these fine men rose to greater heights from that of their teachers, which reminds me of the quote, "It's best not to open your mouth and feel foolish than to not open it."

All the instructors who were so hasty in judging would perhaps feel foolish today.

Perhaps Thomas Edison's teacher today would feel it best had he not opened his mouth about Edison's stupidity.

You never get too old to learn.

PAULA E. KEMPE

Cape Girardeau