23
“Advice to My Children”
Textbook: pp. 146–149
GoalDraw lessons from Hoshimov’s advice and explain it in our own words.
New words
advice · o‘gitmodesty · kamtarliktruthfulness · rostgo‘ylikenvy · hasad
Explanation
“Farzandlarimga o‘gitlar” (Advice to my children) is a set of short counsels the writer addressed to his son and daughter. It contains thoughts such as telling the truth (a truthful person becomes brave), modesty, not envying anyone, not promising what you cannot do, and answering evil with good. The writer hopes his children will do at least one more good deed than he did and make at least one fewer mistake. He also uses strong comparisons: for example, the difference between a mirror and a window urges us to look at ourselves. One of the last counsels says a good name is worth more than bread. These counsels are compact and wise like proverbs.
Worked examples
Example: a mirror shows a person himself, while a window shows only others – so we should look at ourselves more.
Example: doing a job without promising teaches trust in deeds, not words.
Class activity
“My advice”: write 3 pieces of advice to your future child and read one aloud.
Practice
1
To whom is it addressed?
The writer’s son and daughter.
2
What does the writer say of a truthful person?
A truthful person becomes brave.
3
What does the mirror–window comparison mean?
We should look more at ourselves than at others, and improve.
4
Why does envy harm the envier?
He achieves nothing and wears down himself and others.