I know Great Spirit is looking down upon me from above, and will hear what I say.
Sitting BullRead
This nation is like a spring freshet; it overruns its banks and destroys all who are in its path.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote illustrates the destructive power of a nation when it becomes uncontrollable.
Sitting Bull's quote uses the metaphor of a spring freshet, a sudden and overwhelming flood, to describe the chaotic and often destructive nature of national forces. It suggests that when a nation acts without restraint or consideration for others, it can cause harm to individuals and communities in its path, emphasizing the need for responsible governance and the consequences of unchecked power.
Themes
NationDestructionPowerFloodChaosControl
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a political debate to highlight the dangers of authoritarianism.
More from Sitting Bull
All quotes →I want to tell you that if the Great Spirit had chosen anyone to be the chief of this country, it is myself.
Sitting BullRead
Is it wrong for me to love my own? Is it wicked for me because my skin is red? Because I am Sioux? Because I was born where my father lived? Because I would die for my people and my country?
Sitting BullRead
When I was a boy, the Sioux owned the world. The sun rose and set on their land; they sent ten thousand men to battle. Where are the warriors today? Who slew them? Where are our lands? Who owns them?
Sitting BullRead
Therefore, I do not wish to consider any proposition to cede any portion of our tribal holdings to the Great Father.
Sitting BullRead
I wish it to be remembered that I was the last man of my tribe to surrender my rifle.
Sitting BullRead
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