I know Great Spirit is looking down upon me from above, and will hear what I say.
Each man is good in the sight of the Great Spirit. It is not necessary for eagles to be crows. Now we are poor but we are free. No white man controls our footsteps. If we must die, we die defending our rights.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the dignity and inherent goodness of every individual while highlighting the importance of freedom and the courage to defend one's rights.
Sitting Bull's quote reflects a deep belief in the intrinsic value of every person as recognized by a higher power, the Great Spirit. It suggests that one’s worth is not determined by societal expectations or comparisons, such as eagles and crows. Despite the hardships faced, the quote underscores a commitment to freedom and the resilience to fight for one’s rights, encapsulating the spirit of defiance against oppression and the nobility of defending personal and communal values.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech on civil rights, to inspire activism and resilience.
More from Sitting Bull
All quotes →I want to tell you that if the Great Spirit had chosen anyone to be the chief of this country, it is myself.
Is it wrong for me to love my own? Is it wicked for me because my skin is red? Because I am Sioux? Because I was born where my father lived? Because I would die for my people and my country?
When I was a boy, the Sioux owned the world. The sun rose and set on their land; they sent ten thousand men to battle. Where are the warriors today? Who slew them? Where are our lands? Who owns them?
Therefore, I do not wish to consider any proposition to cede any portion of our tribal holdings to the Great Father.
I wish it to be remembered that I was the last man of my tribe to surrender my rifle.
Similar quotes
It is in the power of everybody, with a little courage, to hold out a hand to someone different, to listen, to attempt to increase, by even a tiny amount, the quantity of kindness and humanity in the world.
I've always embraced failure as a noble pursuit. It allows you to be anti whatever anyone wants you to be, and to break all the rules.
True courage is not the brutal force of vulgar heroes, but the firm resolve of virtue and reason.
The ability and inclination to use physical strength is no indication of bravery or tenacity to life. The greatest cowards are often the greatest bullies. Nothing is cheaper and more common than physical bravery.
The true courage of civilized nations is readiness for sacrifice in the service of the state, so that the individual counts as only one amongst many. The important thing here is not personal mettle but aligning oneself with the universal.
Who dares nothing, need hope for nothing.