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Sell a country?! Why not sell the air, the great sea, as well as the earth? Did not the Great Spirit make them all for the use of his children?
Tecumseh
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote expresses the idea that natural resources should not be commodified, as they are gifts meant for all humanity.

Tecumseh's quote highlights the profound belief that land and resources are sacred inheritances from a higher power, meant for the collective benefit of all people. By comparing the sale of a country to selling air or the sea, he critiques the notion of privatizing what should belong to everyone, emphasizing a need for stewardship over exploitation.

Themes

LandResourcesNatureSacredCommunity

In practice

Example use cases

This quote could be used in a speech promoting environmental conservation.

More from Tecumseh

Prepare a noble death song for the day when you go over the great divide.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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From my tribe I take nothing, I am the maker of my own fortune.
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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.
TecumsehRead

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