Indigenous ethics: The Tale of Two Wolves

One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people.  He said: 

“My son, the battle is between two wolves inside of each of us.  

 

One is evil.  It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, guilt, self-guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority and ego.  

The other is Good.  It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, forgiveness, truth, playfulness, compassion and faith.”  

 

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather,

“Which wolf wins?” 

 

The grandfather responded: 

“The one you feed.”