In the play ” A Man for all Seasons” Richard Rich seeks a position of power and influence. He is a teacher and is dissatisfied with the pay and the lack of prestige.Thomas More counsels him to stay as a teacher because there is great merit in teaching others. Rich is unhappy with the counsel and states” if I am a good teacher who will know?”More replied”You will know,God will know, and your students will know and that is a wonderful audience.” In a time when it is fashionable to ridicule teachers,cut their pay and make them part of the ongoing search for fiscal responsibility ,it is well to remind ourselves what we have gained from teachers. I do not suggest that all teachers are wonderful, but my life has been enhanced by many dedicated,talented teachers. They poked my curiosity,opened vistas and enabled me to have a life long commitment to learning. In them I found knowledge,commitment to others and the keys to the wondrous world of books, art ,music and models that have taught me how to lead a meaningful life.To all who today wear the mantle of teacher and positively change the lives of thousands I wish you the knowledge that much of the silent audience is ever grateful.