“The Earth does not belong to man; Man belongs to the Earth”

“The Earth does not belong to man; Man belongs to the Earth. This we know. All things are connected like the blood which unites one family. Whatever befalls the Earth befalls the sons of the Earth. Man did not weave the web of life, he is merely a strand in it. Whatever he does to the web, he does to himself.” — Chief Seattle

These words of wisdom by Chief Seattle constitute one of my favourite Native American Indian quotes. It reminds me of some thoughts I posted in my blog recently, such as:

• Humans need to remember that they do not create or sustain Mother Earth. Mother Earth creates and sustains us.
• Instead of seeking to dominate and control Earth, we need to respect and cooperate with Earth and our fellow inhabitants (including animals and plants).

The monetary system and political system have created artificial value and boundaries respectively that discriminate and divide humanity and the environment. Yet in actuality, no one is more important or valuable than another because everyone is created equal. Similarly, no one is an island and no “country” stands alone. What affects a person in one place affects another person elsewhere, and what affects the environment affects us human beings too and vice versa.

So, when we do our part to protect the environment, we are helping ourselves because we will enjoy clean air and water. Similarly, when we help our brothers and sisters in need, we are helping ourselves because we are all one.

Related articles

• Ubuntu: Humanity towards Others (realrest.wordpress.com)
• “Imagine a World Without Money” (realrest.wordpress.com)
• Chief Seattle’s Prophecy : America 2012, The End of Living And The Beginning of Survival (alanavr.wordpress.com)
• Chief Seattle’s 1854 Speech (seeingthegreensea.wordpress.com)