The native American has been generally despised by his white conquerors for his poverty and simplicity. They forget, perhaps, that his religion forbade the accumulation of wealth and the enjoyment of luxury... Furthermore, it was the rule of his life to share the fruits of his skill and success with his less fortunate brothers. Thus he kept his spirit free from the clog of pride, cupidity, or envy, and carried out, as he believed, the divine decree-a matter profoundly important to him.
Interpretation
The quote highlights how Native Americans valued simplicity and generosity over material wealth, contrasting their values with those of their conquerors.
In this quote, Charles Alexander Eastman reflects on the values and beliefs of Native Americans, illustrating how they were often looked down upon by white settlers for their perceived poverty and lack of luxury. He emphasizes that their lifestyle was rooted in a deep religious conviction against the accumulation of wealth, advocating instead for sharing and support among people. This way of living allowed them to maintain freedom from negative traits such as pride and greed, aligning with what they believed to be divine principles that were significant to their existence.
In practice
This quote can be shared during a discussion about cultural values and the importance of generosity.
If you ask him: "What is silence?" he will answer, "It is the Great Mystery! The holy silence is His voice!" If you ask: "What are the fruits of silence?" he will say: "They are self-control, true courage or endurance, patience, dignity, and reverence. Silence is the cornerstone of character."
It is far more comforting to think God listened and said no, than to think that nobody’s out there.
The smallest things become great when God requires them of us; they are small only in themselves; they are always great when they are done for God.
We imagined that the mildness of our government and the wishes of the people were so correspondent that we were not as other nations, requiring brutal force to support the laws.
I do not want to foresee the future. I am concerned with taking care of the present. God has given me no control over the moment following.
To be content with death may be better than to desire it.
Diversity is the magic. It is the first manifestation, the first beginning of the differentiation of a thing and of simple identity. The greater the diversity, the greater the perfection.
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