Either a devout saint or a criminal can be made out of a child.

Happy is the man who raises the child as affectionate toward mankind, as a knowledgeable person that has the ability to foresee trouble.

An Atabeg educated the son of a Soltan for 18 years. Upon completion of the education the Atabeg awarded him a certificate showing that he had received proper training. The Soltan’s son was raised as a brave man, a perfect horseman, and as sharp as an eagle. He had the mental abilities that would allow him participate in discussions with scholars. The Atabeg showed the skills he taught the Soltan’s son. The Soltan was pleased and said: “Go swim through the sea, my son Oguz”

The Soltan’s son replied, “Master Atabeg did not teach me how to do that.”

The Soltan turned to Atabeg and said:

“My son’s friends could have taught him what you taught. If he ever needs to swim, neither his friends, nor I, nor you could help.”

There are certain things in life with respect to which parents, friends and brothers and relatives cannot give any help. Man faces the realities of life many times. At those times, one should be able to overcome difficulties without needing assistance from others. If one cannot do so, then one is not properly and sufficiently raised. I lived under very difficult conditions. It is a mistake to prevent a child from encountering difficulties. Indeed this is a form of enmity toward one’s own son. The child has to prove to himself certain things by undertaking tasks proper to his age. The efforts spent earlier by the child will yield positive results for him in the future.