The Two Wolves

I am repeating a story that I first heard Bill Moyers tell on his Journal program. I am repeating it because
I believe it is quite needful in our partiularly charged time.

I also believe it is relevant to the Charter for Compassion which is also quite timely.

Here it is from a website called, First People: Native American Legends.


A Cherokee Legend



An old Cherokee is teaching his grandson about life. "A fight is going on inside me," he said to the boy.


"It is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves. One is evil - he is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego." He continued, "The other is good - he is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith. The same fight is going on inside you - and inside every other person, too."

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, "Which wolf will win?"


The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one you feed."

I do hope readers know which wolfe to feed and are doing so. However, it is my belief that the two wolves apply not only to individuals. but also to such  corporate entities as families, worship communities, and nations. Please support the feeding of the good wolf--wherever and whatever he may be. It is in all of this feeding that is our hope.