Cherokee Parable

A Grandfather from the Cherokee Nation was talking with his grandson.

"A fight is going on inside me," he said to the boy. "It is a terrible fight - and it is between two wolves. One wolf is evil and ugly: He is anger, envy, war, greed, self-pity, regret, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, selfishness and arrogance."

The old man paused.

"The other wolf is beautiful and good: He is friendship, joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, fairness, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, gratitude, and deep VISION."

And then he said: "This same fight is going on inside you...inside all of us."

The boy paused in deep reflection. He finally cried out; "Oyee! Grandfather, which wolf will win?"

The elder Cherokee replied: "The wolf that you feed."

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