Native American Wisdom [Unabridged] [Audible Audio Edition]

by Kent Nerburn (Author, Narrator), Louise Mengelkoch (Author), Paula Bruce (Narrator), Marc Allen (Narrator)

Editorial Reviews

Capture the beauty, power, and wisdom of the Native American oral tradition with this superlative collection of readings taken from the writings and speeches of people from many different tribes. The collection offers insights into Native American ways of living, learning, and dying, and helps us to feel a reconnection with the land and ourselves. The words of Chief Joseph, Sitting Bull, Ohiyesa, Black Elk, and others create a powerful listening experience.

Product Details

• Audible Audio Edition
• Listening Length: 1 hour and 23 minutes
• Program Type: Audiobook
• Version: Unabridged
• Publisher: New World Library
• Audible.com Release Date: December 16, 1999
• Language: English
• ASIN: B00005472X
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)

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.