Prepare a noble death song for the day when you go over the great divide.
The Great Spirit made all things. He gave the white people a home beyond the great waters. He supplied these grounds with game, and gave them to his red children; and he gave them strength and courage to defend them.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote speaks to the spiritual interconnectedness of all people and the land they inhabit.
Tecumseh's quote reflects a deep reverence for the divine creation of the Earth and the responsibilities that come with it. It acknowledges the roles of different peoples, particularly the Native American perspective, in relation to the land, emphasizing a spiritual bond to the land and the courage needed to protect it from external forces. This highlights an important message about stewardship, respect for nature, and the challenges faced by indigenous populations.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
During a gathering on environmental protection, this quote can remind participants of our duty to care for the earth.
More from Tecumseh
All quotes →Let us form one body, one heart, and defend to the last warrior our country, our homes, our liberty, and the graves of our fathers.
Since my residence at Tippecanoe, we have endeavored to level all distinctions, to destroy village chiefs, by whom all mischiefs are done. It is they who sell the land to the Americans.
When you rise in the morning, give thanks for the light, for your life, for your strength. Give thanks for your food and for the joy of living. If you see no reason to give thanks, the fault lies in yourself.
From my tribe I take nothing, I am the maker of my own fortune.
So live your life that the fear of death can 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, 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.
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But I am not going to live for ever. And the more I know it, the more amazed I am by being here at all.
It is much more valuable to look for the strength in others. You can gain nothing by criticizing their imperfections.
I love the broad margin to my life.
The world of the 20th century, if it is to come to life in any viability of health and vigor, must be to a significant degree an American century.
It's very difficult to escape your background. You know, I don't think it's necessary to even try to escape it. More and more, I start to think that it's necessary to see exactly what it is that you inherited on both ends of the stick: your timidity, your courage, your self-deceit, and your honesty - and all the rest of it.