---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The wise ones called council. We cannot…"
description: "\"“The wise ones called council. We cannot remain passive. The whites must be driven out. Now is the right time, while they are at war amongst themselves..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/aa3/catherine-anderson-308_feared_the-wise-ones-called-council-we-cannot-r_3145271.jpg"
---

#  The wise ones called council. We cannot remain passive…

![“The wise ones called council. We cannot remain passive. The whites must be driven out. Now is the right time, while they are at war amongst themselves. Their soldiers are away. They’re defenseless. The People must strike.” Red Buffalo’s sobbing quieted. “But Hunter, that is exactly what you feared…” quote by Catherine Anderson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/aa3/catherine-anderson-308_feared_the-wise-ones-called-council-we-cannot-r_3145271.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/aa3/catherine-anderson-308_feared_the-wise-ones-called-council-we-cannot-r_3145271.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/aa3/catherine-anderson-308_feared_the-wise-ones-called-council-we-cannot-r_3145271.jpg)

> ““The wise ones called council. We cannot remain passive. The whites must be driven out. Now is the right time, while they are at war amongst themselves. Their soldiers are away. They’re defenseless. The People must strike.” Red Buffalo’s sobbing quieted. “But Hunter, that is exactly what you feared might happen. What about survival through peace?” “It’s too late for that.” A heavy ache centered itself in Hunter’s chest. “I am a dreamer, Red Buffalo. The land is like a single bone between a pair of starving dogs. There is enough for only one. Peace will never come, never. You were right all along, and I was too blind to see it.””

[Catherine Anderson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/catherine-anderson/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The passage urges immediate, forceful action against an oppressor, arguing that peace is impossible when one side is weakened and the other is hostile.

**In simple terms:** Act now against oppression; peace is impossible now.

Key Takeaway

Take decisive action when opportunity arises.

Themes

conflict survival politics morality urgency

Mood

tense determined

Type

political dramatic

When to use this quote

- revolution
- defense
- political strategy
- community mobilization

Key Concepts

realpolitik ethical dilemma resource scarcity

Questions to Reflect On

- Is violent resistance justified when peaceful options fail?
- What are the long‑term costs of perpetual conflict?

A Different Perspective

Peace may be unattainable if one side dominates; risk of endless violence.

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[Too late](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/too-late/)

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