It does not require many words to speak the truth.
Interpretation
Truth can be expressed simply and clearly, without the need for elaborate language.
This quote emphasizes the idea that honesty and truth do not need to be complicated or embellished; they can be conveyed succinctly. Chief Joseph suggests that the essence of truth is straightforward and that genuine communication does not necessitate a multitude of words, but rather clarity and sincerity.
In practice
In a speech about integrity in business, one might cite this quote to emphasize the value of clear and honest communication.
We do not want churches because they will teach us to quarrel about God. We do not want to learn that. We may quarrel with men sometimes about things on this earth, but we never quarrel about the Great Spirit. We do not want to learn that.
Let me be a free man, free to travel, free to stop, free to work, free to trade where I choose, free to choose my own teachers, free to follow the religion of my fathers, free to talk, think and act for myself β and I will obey every law or submit to the penalty.
It makes my heart sick when I remember all the good words and the broken promises.
If the white man wants to live in peace with the Indian, he can live in peace. There need be no trouble. Treat all men alike. give them all the same law. Give them all an even chance to live and grow.
The earth is the mother of all people, and all people should have equal rights upon it.
All men were made by the Great Spirit Chief. They are all brothers.
In a serious struggle there is no worse cruelty than to be magnanimous at an inopportune time.
It isn't the big troubles in life that require character. Anybody can rise to a crisis and face a crushing tragedy with courage, but to meet the petty hazards of the day with a laugh - I really think that requires spirit. It's the kind of character that I am going to develop. I am going to pretend that all life is just a game which I must play as skillfully and fairly as I can. If I lose, I am going to shrug my shoulders and laugh - also if I win.
The height of foolishness is to discard an opportunity without full investigation
Cynicism masquerades as wisdom, but it is the furthest thing from it. Because cynics don't learn anything. Because cynicism is a self-imposed blindness: a rejection of the world because we are afraid it will hurt us or disappoint us. Cynics always say 'no.' But saying 'yes' begins things. Saying 'yes' is how things grow.
Pay no attention to what the critics say; _x000D_ _x000D_ no statue has ever been erected to a critic.
Only liars manage to always be out during bad times and in during good times.
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