The Real Story of The Two Wolves

Summary

The video script explores the Native American tale of the two wolves, contrasting the widely circulated internet version with the original Cherokee story. The modern narrative suggests feeding the 'good wolf' to overcome the 'evil wolf', but the authentic version emphasizes the importance of nurturing both wolves. The 'black wolf', symbolizing negative traits, is acknowledged for its strengths like tenacity and strategic thinking, while the 'white wolf' represents virtues like compassion and strength. The script teaches that internal balance is achieved by feeding both wolves, leading to peace and the ability to make wise choices, highlighting the Cherokee philosophy of harmony and the interconnectedness of life.

Takeaways

• 📜 The story of the two wolves is a Native American narrative, but the version widely circulated on the internet is not the original.
• 👴 The tale is usually told by an old Cherokee to his grandson, symbolizing the internal struggle of good versus evil within each person.
• 🐺 The 'two wolves' represent opposing forces: one embodies negative traits like anger and greed, while the other represents positive traits like love and hope.
• 🧠 The grandson is taught that this internal struggle is present in everyone, not just within the old man.
• 🔍 The modern internet version often ends with the idea of feeding only the 'good wolf', but the original story has a different conclusion.
• 🌱 In the original story, feeding only one wolf leads to the other becoming stronger and more aggressive when not attended to.
• 🤝 The old Cherokee explains that acknowledging and feeding both wolves is essential for balance and harmony within oneself.
• 💪 The 'black wolf' has positive qualities too, such as tenacity and strategic thinking, which are necessary at times.
• 🙌 The 'white wolf' possesses compassion and the ability to discern what is best for the collective good.
• 🔄 Feeding both wolves ensures they serve the individual well and contribute to a greater purpose in life.
• 🕊️ The message concludes with the idea that peace is the ultimate goal, and it is achieved by managing the internal forces rather than suppressing them.

Q & A

What is the central theme of the 'Two Wolves' story as presented in the transcript?

The central theme of the 'Two Wolves' story is the internal struggle between good and evil within every individual, and the importance of acknowledging and balancing both aspects to achieve peace and harmony in life.

What are the characteristics of the 'evil wolf' mentioned in the story?

The 'evil wolf' represents negative qualities such as anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.

What are the characteristics of the 'good wolf' according to the story?

The 'good wolf' embodies positive qualities like joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith.

How does the modern internet version of the story differ from the original Native American version?

The modern internet version simplifies the story by suggesting that one should feed only the good wolf, while the original story emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and feeding both wolves to maintain balance.

What is the message conveyed by the original ending of the story, where the old Cherokee says 'if you feed the right they both win'?

The original ending suggests that both the good and evil aspects within a person have their roles and should be nurtured. Ignoring one aspect does not eliminate it but can lead to an uncontrolled struggle, whereas feeding and caring for both leads to a harmonious and balanced life.

What qualities does the 'black wolf' possess that the 'white wolf' lacks?

The 'black wolf' possesses qualities such as tenacity, courage, fearlessness, strong will, and great strategic thinking, which are sometimes necessary but are not as prominent in the 'white wolf'.

How does the story suggest we should deal with the opposing forces within us?

The story suggests that we should not ignore or starve one aspect of our nature in favor of the other, but rather guide and care for both, allowing them to serve us well and contribute to a greater purpose.

What does the 'white wolf' represent in terms of personal qualities?

The 'white wolf' represents compassion, hearing strength, and the ability to recognize what is not in the best interest of all, which are essential for maintaining balance and making wise decisions.

What is the significance of the phrase 'a man or woman who has peace inside has everything'?

This phrase emphasizes that inner peace, achieved by balancing the opposing forces within, is the ultimate state of being, from which a person can draw strength, wisdom, and fulfillment.

How does the story define the mission in life of a person who has achieved inner peace?

The mission in life of a person with inner peace is to maintain that peace and to listen to the deeper knowing that guides them in choosing what is right in every circumstance.

What is the consequence of not feeding both wolves according to the story?

The consequence of not feeding both wolves is an internal struggle for attention, as the neglected wolf will become uncontrollable and always fighting, leading to a life of turmoil and imbalance.