Customer Reviews

Native American Wisdom (Classic Wisdom Collection)

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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....

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.

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.

This book is fantastic! If you are considering purchasing it then do not hesitate. It is full of things that made me think. It is very educational and practical. I love it! It is helpful because it has such intellegent information in it. There are different passages in it from different Native Americans. There are several chapters, and background information about the Native Americans that were quoted in the book. I think it is an awesome book, and it had a great impact on me after reading it.

This is the way first nations taught their young. Listen, watch, let the meaning come to you. Don't grab for it. Have patience. Kent Nerburn gathered these pieces as a first step, a primer.
Here is a way for many to become aquainted with the high moral standard of a people who could not come to terms with the devistation, abuse and total disregard the northern europeans had for all that was sacred and essential to the Indians.
This is an opportunity to learn first hand the lesson that an ancestor might have gifted to you, and to decide what it means to your life and what you will do with this great gift.
Learning and following this guidance has brought many people closer to finding their own paths and a greater sense of freedom and peace.

There is a second book which also includes writings of others and Great Speeches of Leaders that should be read. "The Wisdom of The Native Americans"

THIS BOOK SHOULD BE READ BY EVERYONE IT TELLS THOUGHT OF THE INDIAN WAYS. SOME OF IT BROUGHT TEARS TO MY EYES BECAUSE OF THE TRUTH THATS IN THIS BOOK. THANKS TO AMAZON.COM ROBERT F. SCHRAMM

Good look at the belief system of Native Americans. Would recommend to anyone as a starting point to learning the belief system of the original Americans.

This is an excellent book compact in wisdom. Good to have on hand if you only have 5 min here or there to read. It refreshes you.

This was a very small book of short quotes from Indians. It was mildly interesting but not as inspirational as I thought it would be.