The story of the two wolves is a popular Cherokee parable that explores the inner conflict between good and evil within us all. It speaks to the duality of human nature, the constant struggle between our higher and lower selves. The tale, often passed down through generations, uses the powerful imagery of a black wolf and a white wolf to represent these opposing forces.
The Two Wolves Within
An old Cherokee teaches his grandson about life’s challenges by describing an internal battle between two wolves. The black wolf embodies negative emotions and traits: anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego. The white wolf, in contrast, represents positive qualities: joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith.
The grandfather explains that this same fight rages within everyone. The grandson, pondering the implications, asks which wolf will ultimately win.
Feeding Both Wolves
The old Cherokee’s answer is profound: “If you feed them right, they both win.” He explains that neglecting the black wolf, while seemingly virtuous, only leads to its resentment and eventual eruption. The black wolf’s qualities, though often perceived as negative, can be valuable: tenacity, courage, fearlessness, strong will, and strategic thinking. These are attributes the white wolf sometimes lacks.
The white wolf, with its compassion, caring, strength, and wisdom, also plays a crucial role. The key, the grandfather explains, is balance. Both wolves need nourishment to function properly. By acknowledging and accepting both aspects of our nature, we can harness their strengths and achieve inner peace.
Finding Peace: The Cherokee Mission
The old Cherokee emphasizes that feeding both wolves eliminates the internal struggle for dominance. This peace allows for deeper understanding and clearer guidance in life. He stresses the importance of peace as the central mission in Cherokee life, believing that inner peace leads to fulfillment. Conversely, inner turmoil leads to emptiness.
The story concludes with the wisdom that how we choose to interact with these opposing forces within shapes our destiny. We can starve one, leading to imbalance, or we can guide both, leading to harmony and a richer, more meaningful life. The choice, ultimately, is ours.