Native American Wisdom (Classic Wisdom Collection) [Hardcover]

Louise Mengelkoch (Editor), Kent Nerburn (Editor)

Book Description

Series: Classic Wisdom Collection | Publication Date: January 1, 1993

We recognize the philosophy of the original Americans as coming from the earth we walk on, from those who preceded us. As we read the wisdom of these peoples, it is possible to feel a reconnection with our land and ourselves. This beautiful collection of the best of Native American wisdom features the thoughts of Chief Joseph, Sitting Bull, Red Cloud, Black Elk, Ohiyesa, and many others on Native American ways of living, learning, and dying. Taken from orations, recorded observations of life and social affairs, and other first-person testimonies, this book selects a wide range of Native American wisdom and distills it to its essence in short, digestible quotes that are meaningful and timeless -- perhaps even more timely now than when they were written.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

The compilers of these fascinating quotations have placed side by side both familiar and obscure pieces of Native American philosophical and religious thought. Arranged by topic, the quotations give the general reader or the serious student a layered depth of insight into Native American ethos. Growing up, learning, everyday living, faith, morals, ecology, as well as Western civilization receive comment from historical and contemporary Native American political and spiritual leaders. Readers will be challenged intellectually and touched emotionally by these succinct remarks. Teachers will find the arrangement of the book very convenient for reference and starting discussions. Serious students will find the historical and biographical notes most helpful. This volume's overall appeal will make it useful for YAs, too.
- Bruce Alan Hanson, Wayzata East Junior High Sch. Lib., Minn.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"Readers will be challenged intellectually and touched emotionally by these remarks. Teachers will find the arrangement of the book very convenient for reference and startling discussions." — Library Journal "A beautiful and exciting work." — Louise Erdrich --This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 128 pages
• Publisher: New World Library; 1St Edition edition (January 1, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0931432782
• ISBN-13: 978-0931432781
• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #161,862 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #81 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Earth-Based Religions > Native American

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The wisdom of the People, January 21, 2004

By 

OAKSHAMAN "oakshaman" (Algoma, WI United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Native American Wisdom (Classic Wisdom/Cassette) (Audio Cassette)

I have read the book and I have listened to the audio cassette, and while I recommend both, I find that I prefer the audio version. That is because, as the introduction points out, the Native American tradition was primarly a verbal one. This is magnificent, poetic, oratory and needs to be read aloud. And for a change, the audio version is totally unabridged. Moreover, the musical interludes by Carlos Nakai could not be more appropriate.

There is deep wisdom to these words of chiefs and holy men. There is nothing quaint or dated to these words. They are timeless. These people knew exactly what western civilization represented- they saw right through it and knew what it must lead to. Yet, they did not submit to it's slavery of spirit and body.

These men knew the Great Mystery first hand- they knew where the center of the world was.

Hoka Hey....

29 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Changed my outlook on life, April 13, 2002

By 

Andrew Olivo Parodi (Oregon, United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Native American Wisdom (Classic Wisdom Collection) (Hardcover)

This is a wonderful little book. All quotations are printed in meditation format, and some are no longer than a few brief paragraphs. Others are as long as a page. They all rejuvenate my mind, like sitting next to a crystal stream in the forest. The font, spacing, and layout of the book are exquisite.

This book has meant so much to me for almost a decade. I still remember the time I found this book, and my initial reaction to the quotes within; imagine, a time when there were no high-rises on the American landscape, indeed, a time before it was called "America." A world before pollution and overpopulation were concerns. This afforded a connection with the world and a spiritual experience that none of us will ever truly know. This world is now gone, and if not for books like this its memory would not be preserved. This book helped make me more aware of Indian/Native American thought.

When the commotion of the world around you is overwhelming you, this book makes for a great escape. Especially insightful is the quote that reads, "We do not want churches because they will teach us to argue about God."

This book is a gem.

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Early Native Americans had such pure thoughts about life..., May 5, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Native American Wisdom (Classic Wisdom Collection) (Hardcover)

This compilation of Native American sayings is appropriately called wisdom. Full of the logic and simple things that they lived and strived for. And how they were trying to understand the newcomers to their land...they could not believe that there were others in the world that were so violent, immoral, dishonest and treacherous...after reading what they have to say, it is not hard to see where their bitterness comes from. Some very well chosen statements from wise Native Americans.