The 7 Generations Wisdom: Native American Secrets for a Sustainable Future

Summary

The video explores the decision-making principles of Native American tribes, particularly the Seven Generations Principle, which emphasizes making choices that ensure a sustainable future. The concept encourages leaders to prioritize the well-being of future generations, reflecting an interconnected view of life. Various stories and philosophies from different tribes, including the Iroquois, Cherokee, and Hopi, highlight the importance of harmony with nature, community, and responsibility for the Earth. The video underscores Native American values of long-term thinking, respect for the environment, and relatedness to all living beings.

Takeaways

• 😀 Native American tribes have diverse traditions, but many share a common approach to thinking and acting for the future.
• 😀 The Iroquois Confederacy emphasized that leaders must consider the welfare of future generations, using the 'Seven Generations Principle.'
• 😀 The 'Seven Generations Principle' suggests that decisions made today should ensure a sustainable world seven generations into the future.
• 😀 The Seven Generations Principle was first documented in the Great Law of Peace of the Iroquois Confederacy, which was written between the 12th and 16th centuries.
• 😀 The principle highlights the importance of stewardship for future generations and moral toughness in decision-making.
• 😀 The concept of intergenerational responsibility is about considering the well-being of those who have no voice yet but will be affected by present decisions.
• 😀 The story of the coyote from Cherokee tradition teaches the danger of acting based on selfish desires rather than considering the consequences on others.
• 😀 The principle of 'relatedness' emphasizes being mindful of how we interact with all forms of life, including humans, animals, and nature.
• 😀 The phrase 'All My Relations' from the Lota people reflects the worldview of harmony with all life, showing interconnectedness between all beings.
• 😀 The Hopi people follow the concept of 'Hotani' or the 'Hopi path of life,' which emphasizes peaceful cooperation, humility, and respect for nature.
• 😀 Native American philosophy sees creation as a living process, where humans are connected to all of creation, including animals, plants, and natural elements.
• 😀 Native American traditions advocate for sustainable practices, such as taking only what is needed from nature, and not exploiting or damaging it unnecessarily.
• 😀 Knowledge in Native American cultures is passed down through generations, evolving with each individual’s experience and their interaction with the environment.

Q & A

What is the Seven Generations principle in Native American philosophy?

The Seven Generations principle is based on the idea that decisions made today should be sustainable and consider the well-being of people seven generations into the future, ensuring that actions taken now do not harm future generations.

How is the Seven Generations principle connected to leadership in Native American cultures?

In Native American cultures, particularly among the Iroquois Confederacy, leaders are expected to make decisions that benefit not only the present but also the future, considering the welfare of future generations and removing personal self-interests from public decision-making.

How does the concept of 'seven spans of skin' relate to the Seven Generations principle?

The 'seven spans of skin' represent the need for leaders to have thick skin to protect themselves from criticism and offensive actions that may arise while making decisions that affect the welfare of many generations.

What role does the story of the coyote play in illustrating Native American principles?

The story of the coyote, in which the coyote's desire for revenge leads to unintended consequences (a flooded land), highlights the importance of being mindful of one's actions and ensuring that decisions are guided by what is right, rather than personal motivations. It illustrates the principle of 'relatedness,' emphasizing the interconnectedness of all things.

What is the meaning of the phrase 'All My Relations' in Native American culture?

'All My Relations' reflects a worldview of interconnectedness, where all forms of life—people, animals, plants, rocks, rivers, and more—are seen as related and interdependent, fostering a sense of harmony and respect for nature and other beings.

What is the Hopi concept of 'hotani' and how does it influence decision-making?

'Hotani' refers to the Hopi path of life, which emphasizes living harmoniously with nature, behaving with humility, respect, and cooperation. It teaches that following this path leads to positive outcomes, both in relationships with others and in interactions with the natural world.

What does the Native American worldview suggest about creation and the universe?

The Native American worldview sees creation as a living process, where the universe is interconnected. All things are related, with creators acting as family, and all of creation, including humans, is seen as interconnected and interdependent.

How does the concept of individual experience influence Native American knowledge?

Native Americans believe that knowledge is gained through personal experience and is valid within a specific time and context. This knowledge is continuously revised and passed down through generations, ensuring it remains relevant and adaptable to changing circumstances.

What does Guan Matus' quote in Carlos Castaneda's book suggest about Native American attitudes toward resources?

Guan Matus' quote emphasizes the respectful and careful use of resources. It suggests that Native Americans value sustainability, avoiding excess or harm to nature and relationships, and treating everything with care and consideration.

How does the principle of intergenerational responsibility manifest in Native American cultures?

Native American cultures emphasize the idea of responsibility toward future generations. Decisions are made with an awareness of their long-term effects on the environment, society, and future generations, ensuring that resources are managed sustainably and with care.