There’s an old Cherokee legend about two wolves at war…
““There’s an old Cherokee legend about two wolves at war. It’s good food for thought on the topic of self-control. One night a grandfather was teaching his grandson about life. “A fight is going on inside me,” he said to the boy. “It is a terrible fight between two wolves. One is evil – he is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.” He continued, “The other is good – he is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith. The same fight is going on inside you – and inside every other person, too.” The boy paused to think for a moment before looking up at his grandfather. “Which wolf will win?” He asked. The wise man simply replied, “The one that you feed.” Hearing that story, I’m reminded of the scripture that says, And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. – Galatians 5:24””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A metaphorical battle between positive and negative impulses determines character; nurturing good traits leads to virtue.
In simple terms: Feed the good wolf to cultivate virtue.
Key Takeaway
Choose actions that reinforce positive qualities.
Themes
self‑control
inner conflict
values
Mood
reflective
inspirational
Type
parable
motivational
When to use this quote
- personal development
- parenting
- conflict resolution
- habit formation
Key Concepts
dualism
psychology
spirituality
Questions to Reflect On
- What habits do you reinforce daily?
- How can you balance acknowledging negative emotions?
A Different Perspective
The metaphor oversimplifies complex psychological processes.