Young one, can you be twelve already?!

Well, you are grown up now - congratulations. It is time for me to give you a piece of my mind (and I do wish that pieces of a mind could really be given out).
I am giving you a book which tells about your motherland. Study and love your country and your people. Love of country is a feeling that works wonders, Tako. Love of country helps an ordinary mortal become a hero. Love of country can give you a goal in life, through which you can love your work and gain knowledge.
And only work and knowledge will make your dreams come true.

Love of country will elevate your spirit and teach you how to live, how to keep from wasting your talent, strength and energy on trifling, transitory things. It will teach you self-discipline and maintaining emotional equilibrium.

Love of country will teach you to respect other countries. This is essential for us. The future happiness of our people depends on how fully we can embrace the universal treasures of mankind.

Remember - Georgian history records children of your age that were already serving this country. Your carefree childhood is nearing an end, Tako, and the time for thinking, searching, and preparing for life is at hand.

I wish you a happy path ahead.

Edu (Odo) Babu
20 July, 1984