Grandmother Quote by Kent Nerburn
“You need to understand this. We did not think we owned the land. The land was part of us. We didn't even know about owning the land. It is like talking about owning your grandmother - you can't own your grandmother. She just is your grandmother. Why would you talk about owning her?”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Wolf Gift, Kent Nerburn, 1995
Highlights the deep, inseparable connection between people and land, rejecting ownership metaphors.
In simple terms: Land is part of us, not owned.
Key Takeaway
Respect and protect the land as part of yourself.
Themes
environment
indigenous wisdom
interconnectedness
Mood
thoughtful
reverent
Type
philosophical
environmental
When to use this quote
- conservation work
- community planning
- education
- policy making
Key Concepts
land ethic
cultural identity
Questions to Reflect On
- How does viewing land as part of you change your actions?
- What responsibilities arise from this perspective?
A Different Perspective
Ownership language can simplify complex relationships.
