These Native American Proverbs Are Life Changing

Quotes

27 Sept 202105:20

Summary

TLDRThe video script imparts profound life lessons and wisdom, emphasizing the importance of living harmoniously with nature and nurturing the good within us. It underscores the value of wisdom over mere knowledge, the significance of actions over words, and the respect for life's fleeting nature. The script also highlights the strength found in humility, the power of honesty, and the wisdom that comes from living a life aligned with the Creator's intentions.

Takeaways

🌳 Environmental Awareness: The importance of preserving nature is emphasized, warning against the consequences of its destruction.
🐺 Moral Choice: The battle between good and evil within us is determined by the choices we make and the values we nurture.
🎭 Life's Journey: We should live our lives in a way that our death is a celebration of our well-lived life rather than a cause for mourning.
🌩️ Action Over Words: The script advocates for actions to speak louder than words, suggesting that effectiveness is better than empty promises.
👂 Listening Over Speaking: Encourages the importance of listening to learn and understand, rather than just speaking.
📚 Wisdom Over Knowledge: Wisdom, which is forward-looking, is valued over knowledge, which is a reflection of the past.
💪 Strength Through Adversity: The weaknesses of others can be opportunities for our growth and strength.
👣 Empathy Before Judgment: Advises to walk in another's shoes before passing judgment, promoting understanding and compassion.
🐍 Eloquent Simplicity: The script suggests that sometimes the most straightforward expressions are the most powerful.
💰 Honesty Over Wealth: Honesty is more valuable than material wealth, as dishonesty can lead to a loss of self-respect and integrity.
🛡️ Courage in Adversity: It is better to face challenges bravely, as it builds character and ensures that defeat is not shameful.
🕊️ Peaceful Action: Peace is not just a wish but a lifestyle that requires active participation and embodiment.
🌌 Connection to Nature: The script suggests that disconnection from nature can lead to a hardened heart and a loss of empathy.
🤫 Caution in Silence: Warns to be wary of those who are silent, as they may harbor hidden intentions or dangers.
💔 Depth of Emotion: Suggests that sorrows run deeper than joys, indicating the profound impact of negative emotions.
🗣️ Brevity in Truth: The truth often requires few words, implying that simplicity can convey deep meaning.
🔄 Mindfulness of Time: Encourages living in the present and not letting past regrets consume current potential.
🐍 Dual Nature of Wisdom: Being wise involves being as strategic as a serpent yet as harmless as a dove.
🙏 Respect for Creation: Reminds us that children are a gift from a higher power, to be respected and nurtured.
🌱 Seasonal Respect: Advises to tread lightly in spring, recognizing the earth's fertility and the cycle of life.
💌 Heartfelt Inquiry: Suggests that questions asked from the heart will be answered with sincerity and depth.
🌟 Eternal Life: The concept of death is redefined as a transition to another world, not an end.
🌌 Fleeting Life: Life is described as ephemeral and transient, drawing comparisons to fleeting natural phenomena.

Q & A

What is the message conveyed by the statement about the last tree, fish, and stream?
-The message is a warning about the consequences of environmental destruction and the importance of sustainable living. It suggests that we will only realize the value of nature when it's too late and we can no longer benefit from it.
What does the metaphor of the two wolves inside us represent?
-The two wolves represent the struggle between good and evil within every individual. The wolf that wins is the one that is nurtured and given attention, emphasizing the importance of personal choices in shaping one's character.
How should one live their life according to the script's advice about birth and death?
-One should live a life of purpose and impact, such that their passing is mourned by the world, indicating a life well-lived and positively influential.
What is the meaning of 'It is better to have less thunder in the mouth and more lightning in the hand'?
-This phrase suggests that actions speak louder than words. It's better to demonstrate one's abilities through deeds rather than just talking about them.
Why is it advised to listen more and speak less?
-Listening more can prevent one from becoming self-absorbed and can lead to a deeper understanding of others. It also implies that speaking less can prevent misunderstandings and the spread of misinformation.
What is the difference between knowledge and wisdom as per the script?
-Knowledge is information about the past, whereas wisdom is the ability to apply that knowledge to make informed decisions about the future.
What does the script suggest about the relationship between our strength and the enemy's weakness?
-The script implies that recognizing and understanding the weaknesses of others can be a source of strength for us, possibly in strategic or personal growth contexts.
What is the significance of walking two moons in your neighbor's moccasins before judging them?
-This phrase emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding others' experiences before passing judgment. It suggests that one should try to see the world from another's perspective.
Why is it said that those who live in the hearts they leave behind are not truly dead?
-This statement highlights the idea that a person's legacy and the impact they have on others can live on even after their physical death, suggesting a form of spiritual or emotional immortality.
What is the implication of the advice to 'Make my enemy brave and strong'?
-The implication is that one should respect their adversaries and wish for them to be formidable, as this would mean that the victory, if achieved, is more honorable and significant.
How does the script view the relationship between youth and old age?
-The script suggests that while youth should be cherished for its energy and potential, old age should be trusted for its wisdom and experience.
What does the script mean by 'Wisdom comes only when you stop looking for it and start living the life the Creator intended for you'?
-This means that true wisdom is not actively sought but rather discovered through living a life in harmony with one's purpose and the natural order, as intended by a higher power or the universe.
What is the message behind 'Not every sweet root gives birth to sweet grass'?
-The message is that good beginnings do not always lead to good outcomes, and one should not assume that positive origins guarantee positive results.
What does the script suggest about taking only what you need from the land?
-The script advocates for a sustainable approach to using natural resources, emphasizing the importance of conservation and leaving the environment as undisturbed as possible.
What is the difference between crying peace and acting peace according to the script?
-Crying peace is merely expressing a desire for peace, whereas acting peace involves actively living in a peaceful manner and making choices that promote peace in all aspects of life.
What does the script imply about the relationship between a man's connection to nature and his heart?
-The script implies that a disconnection from nature can lead to a hardening of the heart, suggesting that a close relationship with nature is necessary for maintaining empathy and compassion.
What warning does the script give about silent individuals and quiet dogs?
-The warning is that those who are unusually quiet or silent may be hiding something or planning something, emphasizing the need to be cautious of unexpected behavior.
What does the script suggest about the nature of human emotions?
-The script suggests that human pleasures are often fleeting and superficial, while sorrows are more profound and enduring.
What is the importance of speaking the truth according to the script?
-The script implies that the truth does not require many words and that simplicity and clarity are important when conveying honest and genuine messages.
Why is it advised not to let yesterday use up too much of today?
-This advice suggests that one should not be overly preoccupied with past events or regrets, as it can prevent them from fully experiencing and making the most of the present.
What does the script mean by 'If a man is as wise as a serpent, he can afford to be as harmless as a dove'?
-This means that a person who possesses wisdom and understanding can choose to act with gentleness and non-violence, despite having the capacity for cunning or force.
What is the impact of poverty on humility and respect for others according to the script?
-The script suggests that poverty can erode humility and lead to a lack of respect for both God and fellow human beings, indicating the potential moral and social consequences of economic hardship.
What does the script imply about the relationship between children and their parents?
-The script implies that children are not the absolute property of their parents but are on loan from a higher power, emphasizing the idea of stewardship and responsibility in parenting.
What is the significance of walking lightly in the spring as mentioned in the script?
-Walking lightly in the spring signifies respect for the Earth and its natural processes, acknowledging that the Earth is alive and nurturing new life during this season.
What does the script suggest about asking questions from the heart?
-The script suggests that when questions are asked with sincerity and genuine curiosity, the answers received will also be heartfelt and meaningful.
What is the script's perspective on death?
-The script offers the perspective that death is not an end but a transition, a change from one state of existence to another, suggesting a belief in an afterlife or a cycle of rebirth.
How does the script describe life?
-Life is described through a series of fleeting and ephemeral images, such as a flash of a firefly, a breath of a buffalo, or a shadow disappearing at sunset, emphasizing the transient and precious nature of life.

Outlines

00:00

🌿 Reflections on Life and Nature

This paragraph is a collection of profound sayings that reflect on the essence of life, the importance of wisdom, and the relationship between humans and nature. It emphasizes the consequences of environmental destruction, the internal struggle between good and evil, the value of wisdom over knowledge, and the significance of living in harmony with the natural world. It also touches on themes of bravery, respect for elders, and the fleeting nature of life.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Nature

Nature in this context refers to the natural environment and its inherent resources. It is central to the video's theme, highlighting the importance of respecting and preserving the environment. The quote 'Only when the last tree has been cut down...' emphasizes the dire consequences of not valuing nature, while 'When a man moves away from nature, his heart becomes hard' illustrates the emotional and spiritual connection humans have with the natural world.

💡Wisdom

Wisdom is the deep understanding and the ability to apply knowledge and experience to make good decisions. It is distinguished from knowledge, which is information acquired through learning. The video encourages seeking wisdom, as it is 'of the future,' suggesting that wisdom involves foresight and the ability to learn from the past to shape a better future. The phrase 'Wisdom comes only when you stop looking for it...' implies that wisdom is gained through living and experiencing life fully.

💡Good and Evil

Good and evil are moral concepts representing the right and wrong actions or behaviors. The script uses the metaphor of two wolves fighting within us to represent the ongoing struggle between these opposing forces. The outcome of this struggle, as stated, 'The one you feed' will prevail, indicating that individuals have the power to choose which aspects of their character to nurture.

💡Life and Death

Life and death are universal experiences that the video script explores philosophically. The phrases 'Live your life so that when you die, the world cries and you rejoice' and 'There is no death, only a change of worlds' reflect the idea that life should be lived meaningfully and that death is not an end, but a transition to another state of existence.

💡Honesty

Honesty is the quality of being truthful and free from deceit. The script suggests that 'It is less of a problem to be poor than to be dishonest,' emphasizing that integrity is more valuable than material wealth. Honesty is portrayed as a fundamental virtue that contributes to a person's character and social standing.

💡Courage

Courage is the ability to face fear, danger, or adversity without being overcome by it. The script states, 'A brave man dies but once, a coward many times,' which implies that true bravery is not about avoiding death but about living with honor and facing challenges head-on. Courage is also linked to self-respect and the desire for a worthy adversary, as seen in 'Make my enemy brave and strong...'

💡Youth and Old Age

Youth and old age represent different stages of life with their unique qualities and values. The script advises to 'Cherish youth, but trust old age,' suggesting that while youth is a time of vigor and potential, the wisdom and experience of old age should be respected and trusted. This reflects the importance of valuing all stages of life.

💡Peace

Peace is the state of tranquility and harmony, both within oneself and in the world. The video script urges not just to speak of peace, but to 'act peace, live peace and live in peace,' indicating that peace is an active pursuit that requires consistent behavior and lifestyle choices to achieve and maintain.

💡Respect

Respect is the regard for the feelings, wishes, rights, or traditions of others. The script mentions 'Poverty is a noose that strangles humility and breeds disrespect for God and man,' which suggests that economic hardship can erode the values of humility and respect. Respect is portrayed as a fundamental social virtue that is essential for harmonious relationships.

💡Knowledge

Knowledge refers to the facts, information, and understanding acquired through experience or education. The script contrasts knowledge with wisdom, stating 'Seek wisdom, not knowledge,' and 'Knowledge is of the past, Wisdom is of the future.' This implies that while knowledge is valuable, wisdom, which involves the application of knowledge, is more crucial for navigating life's complexities.

💡Simplicity

Simplicity is the quality of being easy to understand or do, without unnecessary complexity. The script advises 'Take only what you need and leave the land as you found it,' which embodies the principle of living with simplicity and not overexploiting resources. Simplicity is presented as a way of life that respects the environment and promotes sustainability.

Highlights

Only when the last tree has been cut down and the last stream poisoned will we realize we cannot eat money.

There are two wolves fighting inside all of us, one evil and one good, and the one you feed will win.

Live your life so that when you die, the world cries and you rejoice.

It is better to have less thunder in the mouth and more lightning in the hand.

Listen, or your tongue will make you deaf.

Seek wisdom, not knowledge, as wisdom is of the future while knowledge is of the past.

The weakness of the enemy makes our strength.

Do not judge your neighbor until you walk two moons in his moccasins.

They are not dead who live in the hearts they leave behind.

There is nothing as eloquent as a rattlesnake's tail.

It is less of a problem to be poor than to be dishonest.

A brave man dies but once, a coward many times.

Make my enemy brave and strong, so that if defeated, I will not be ashamed.

The bird who has eaten cannot fly with the bird that is hungry.

Cherish youth, but trust old age.

Wisdom comes only when you stop looking for it and start living the life the Creator intended for you.

Not every sweet root gives birth to sweet grass.

Take only what you need and leave the land as you found it.

It is no longer good enough to cry peace, we must act peace, live peace and live in peace.

When a man moves away from nature, his heart becomes hard.

Beware of the man who does not talk and the dog that does not bark.

Our pleasures are shallow, our sorrows are deep.

It does not require many words to speak the truth.

Don’t let yesterday use up too much of today.

If a man is as wise as a serpent, he can afford to be as harmless as a dove.

Poverty is a noose that strangles humility and breeds disrespect for God and man.

Remember that your children are not your own, but are lent to you by the Creator.

Walk lightly in the spring; Mother Earth is pregnant.

Ask questions from your heart and you will be answered from the heart.

There is no death, only a change of worlds.

What is life? It is a flash of firefly in the night, a breath of a buffalo in wintertime, and as the little shadow that runs across the grass and loses itself in the sunset.