Because of my Native American ancestry I often search for information to increase my knowledge and expand my understanding of all Native American Cultures. Recently I came across the following statement believed to have been spoken by the Shawnee leader Tecumseh. Now Tecumseh certainly fought against The United States so I leave it to you to decide if his reasons for defiance were justified or not. At any rate, this passage is, I think, quite profound and applicable today:
“Live your life that the fear of death may never enter your heart. Trouble no one about their religion; respect others in their view, and demand that they respect yours. Love your life, perfect your life, and beautify all things in your life. Seek to make your life long, and its purpose in the service of your people. Prepare a noble death song, for the day when you go over the great divide. Always give a word or a sign of salute when meeting or passing a friend, even a stranger, when in a lonely place. Show respect to all people and grovel to none. When you arise in the morning give thanks for the food and the joy of living. If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies only in yourself. Abuse no one and nothing, for abuse turns the wise ones into fools and robs the spirit of its vision.”
