SOMETHING YOU’LL BE GLAD YOU READ

Tecumseh (1768-1813) was perhaps the greatest of all the leaders of native Americans who ever lived. A Shawnee chief, warrior and statesman he accomplished what was considered to be impossible when he brought about inter-tribal unity and formed a confederacy of Indian tribes from across the country to resist American expansion onto Native American lands. I've always considered Tecumseh to be among the greatest figures in world history. The following quotation may give you some insight into the man along with some valuable insights for living.

“Live your life that the fear of death can never enter your heart. Trouble no one about his

religion. Respect others in their views and demand that they respect yours. Love your life,

perfect your life, beautify all things in your life. Seek to make your life long and of service to

your people. Prepare a noble death song for the day when you go over the great divide.

Always give a word or sign of salute when meeting or passing a friend, or even a stranger,

if in a lonely place. Show respect to all people, but grovel to none. When you rise in the

morning, give thanks for the light, for your life, for your strength. Give thanks for your food

and for the joy of living. If you see no reason to give thanks, the fault lies in yourself. Abuse

no one and no thing, for abuse turns the wise ones to fools and robs the spirit of its vision.

When your time comes to die, be not like those whose hearts are filled with fear of death,

so that when their time comes they weep and pray for a little more time to live their lives

over again in a different way. Sing your death song, and die like a hero going home.”—Tecumseh

Young people would profit if introduced to the above quotation. People of any  age would. The life of Tecumseh is well worth reading. I recommend A Sorrow in Our Heart, A Life of Tecumseh, by Alan Eckert. It’s not a small book, but it is a real page-turner, available used at Amazon for only a few dollars.