Life Quote by Derrick Jensen
““This is the key to understanding the difference between indigenous and civilized warfare: Even in warfare the indigenous maintain relationships with their honored enemy. This is the key to understanding the difference between indigenous and civilized ways of living. This is only one of many things those we enslave could tell us, if only we asked: They, too, are alive, and present another way of living, a way of living that is not - in contradistinction to our God and our Science and our Capitalism and everything else in our lives - jealous. It is an inclusive way of living. They could tell us that things don't have to be the way they are.””
About This Quote
Indigenous peoples maintain respectful relationships with enemies, offering an inclusive, non‑exploitive way of living that contrasts with dominant societies' exploitative models.
In simple terms: Respectful enemy relations show an inclusive, non‑exploitive lifestyle.
Key Takeaway
Learn from inclusive relational ethics.
Themes
culture
conflict
inclusivity
ethics
colonialism
Mood
thoughtful
inspirational
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- peace negotiations
- community building
- environmental activism
- education reform
Key Concepts
anthropology
peace studies
ecology
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we integrate respectful enemy relations today?
- What barriers exist to inclusive living?
A Different Perspective
Such relationships may be idealized and hard to implement in modern power structures.
