Let a man decide

"I have noticed in my life that all men have a liking for some special animal, tree, plant, or spot of earth. If men would pay more attention to these preferences and seek what is best to do in order to make themselves worthy towards that to which they are so attracted, they might have dreams which would purify their lives. Let a man decide upon his favorite animal and make a study of it, learning its innocent ways. Let him learn to understand its sounds and motions. The animals want to communicate with man, but Wakantanka does not intend that they shall do so directly -- man must do the greater part in securing an understanding."

-- Tatanka-ohitika (Brave Buffalo)
    Teton Sioux

 

Let a man decide

"I have noticed in my life that all men have a liking for some special animal, tree, plant, or spot of earth. If men would pay more attention to these preferences and seek what is best to do in order to make themselves worthy towards that to which they are so attracted, they might have dreams which would purify their lives. Let a man decide upon his favorite animal and make a study of it, learning its innocent ways. Let him learn to understand its sounds and motions. The animals want to communicate with man, but Wakantanka does not intend that they shall do so directly -- man must do the greater part in securing an understanding."

-- Tatanka-ohitika (Brave Buffalo)
    Teton Sioux