乔治·华盛顿小时候住在弗吉尼亚的一个农场上。他的父亲教他骑马，经常带着年青的乔治到农场上干活，以便儿子长大后能学会种田，放牛养马。
华盛顿先生有一个美丽的果园，里面种着苹果树、桃树、梨树、李子树与樱桃树。有一次，华盛顿先生从大洋对岸买了一棵品种上佳的樱桃树。他非常喜爱这棵樱桃树，把树种在果园边上，并告诉农场上的所有人要对它严加看护，不能让任何人碰它。
这棵樱桃树长势很好。春天来了，树上开满了白花，散发出阵阵芬芳，许多蜜蜂都围着它辛勤地忙碌着。想到用不了多长时间就可以吃到樱桃树结的果子，华盛顿先生心里非常高兴。
大约就在此时，有人送给乔治一把明亮的斧子。乔治非常喜欢这把斧子，他拿着它砍树枝，砍篱笆，可以说是见什么砍什么。一天，他一边想着自己的斧子有多么锋利，一边来到果园边儿，举起斧子砍向那棵樱桃树。由于树皮很软，乔治没费多大力气就把树砍倒了。接着他又去别的地方玩了。
那天傍晚，华盛顿先生忙完农事，把马牵回马棚，然后来果园看他的樱桃树。没想到，自己心爱的树被砍倒在地，他站在那里惊呆了，几乎不敢相信自己的眼睛。是谁胆敢这样做？他问了所有人，但谁都说不知道。
就在这时，乔治恰巧从旁边经过。“乔治，”父亲用生气的口吻高声喊道，“你知道是谁把我的樱桃树砍死了吗？”
这个问题可把乔治给难住了，看到父亲如此愤怒，他意识到自己的一时冲动闯下了祸。他哼哼叽叽了一会儿，但很快恢复了神志。“我不能说谎，爸爸，”他说，“是我用斧子砍的。”华盛顿先生看了看乔治。那孩子脸色煞白，但直视着父亲的眼睛。
“回家去，儿子。”华盛顿先生严厉地说道。
乔治走进书房，等父亲。他心里很难过，同时也感到非常惭愧。他知道自己实在是太轻率了，干了件傻事，也难怪父亲不高兴。
一会儿之后，华盛顿先生走进书房。“到这里来，孩子。”他说道。
乔治听话地走到父亲身边。华盛顿先生静静地看了他很长时间：“告诉我，儿子，你为什么要砍那棵树？”
“当时我正在玩，没想到——”乔治结结巴巴地说道。
“现在树就要死了，我们永远也不会吃到樱桃了。但比这更糟的是，我嘱咐你要看护好这棵树，你却没有做到。”
乔治羞愧难当，脸一红，低下头，眼泪就快要落下了，哽咽着说：“对不起，爸爸。”
华盛顿先生把手放在孩子肩头。“看着我，”他说道，“失去了一棵树，我当然很难过，但我同时也很高兴，因为你鼓足勇气向我说了实话。我宁愿要一个勇敢诚
实的孩子，也不愿拥有一个种满枝叶繁茂樱桃树的果园。一定要记住这一点，儿子。”
乔治·华盛顿从未忘记这一点。他一直像小时候那样勇敢，受人尊敬，直至生命结束。
教育哲理：知错就改是很难得的，孩子犯了错如果及时承认并改正的话，作为父母应感到高兴，因为孩子具备了最为宝贵的品质——诚实。
George Washington, a child living on a farm in Virginia.His father taught him to ride a horse, often with young George to the farm to work, so my son can grow up to learn farming.break raised horses.Washington had a beautiful orchard, which was planted with apple, peach, pear, plums trees and cherry trees.On one occasion, Mr. Washington bought a tree from the other side of the ocean a good cherry tree varieties.He was very fond of classic cherry tree and the edge of trees in the orchard and the farm owner told it to strictly bar,The information provided must not be allowed to any person., When the cherry trees are growing well.Spring, a tree full of wasting time, sending up bursts of talent, it is hard for many busy bees all around.Think of how long it will not be able to eat the fruit of a cherry tree, Mr. Washington are very happy.At about that time, George was given a shiny ax.George likes to this ax, he has taken it is felled tree branches cut down a fence and see what can be said to be cutting down anything.One day, while I wondered how sharp the ax, went to the side of the orchard behind, and raised the ax Hundreds backyard cherry tree.Since the bark is very soft, George did not put much effort trees cut down the costs.He then went to another default.That evening, President finishes his farm in Washington, led horses back sheds, and then to see the cherry tree orchard.I did not expect that their beloved tree had been cut down to the ground, he stood there stupefied by almost could not believe my own eyes.Who dares to do so?He asked everyone, but one does not know.At this moment, from George happen after next."George," my father shouted out, with angry tone."Do you know who my cherry tree to death? "This can be difficult for George to live, to see her father so angry.He realized his impulsive owner of the disaster.He hum browsers for a while, but quickly resumed consciousness."I am not a liar, father," he said, "I was a hack with an ax. "Mr. saw George Washington.Shabai that children face, but his father's eyes open heart."I went home, my son. "Mr. Washington said sternly.George walked into the library, and wait for his father.He felt very, also feel very ashamed.He knew it was too rash, dry pieces of things, it is hardly surprising that his father unhappy.After a while, Mr. Washington walked into the library."I came here, the children. "He said.George obedient to walk father.Mr. Washington, he quietly read a very long time : "I am told that her son,Why do you have to cut down the tree? "" At the time I was playing, but he did
not expect -- "George said to stutter."Now, the tree will die, we will never get a cherry. But worse than that,I asked you to a good tree care, you have failed to do so. "George shame because there Lianyihong, we bow our heads.tears are going to come, said in a voice choked with sobs : "Sorry, Dad. "Mr. Washington hands on the children cheer."Watching me," he said, "loss of a tree, I would certainly be very difficult, but I am also very glad thatbecause you told me the truth with courage. I honestly prefer to have a courageous childdo not want to have planted a cherry tree was a lush growth of the orchards. We must bear in mind this point,son. "George Washington never forget this.He has been brave as a child is respected and until the end of life.: Taking the philosophy of education is difficult, if children make the wrong time to recognize and correct,parents should be happy, because the kids have the most valuable quality -- honesty.