The Wolves Within

Note:

I got this from a quotes list I was on, I am not sure of the origin. I know it is an old American Indian tale. I am not taking credit for this story. If this is not allowed to be re-told, I apologize and will remove it. It is: A Native American tale told many times
Around the Sacred Fire, courtesy of: http://www.barefootsworld.net/wolveswithin.html

The Wolves Within

An old grandfather said to his grandson, who came to him with anger at a friend who had done him an injustice, "Let me tell you a story."

"I too, at times, have felt a great hate for those who have taken so much with no sorrow for what they do; but hate wears you down and does not hurt your enemy. It is like taking a poison and wishing your enemy would die. I have struggled with these feelings many times."

He continued, "It is as if there are two wolves inside me; one is good and does no harm. He lives in harmony with all around him and does not take offense when no offense was intended. He will only fight when it is right to do so, and in the right way.

But...the other wolf...Ah! The littlest thing will send him into a fit of temper. He fights everyone, all of the time, for no reason. He cannot think because his anger and hate are so great. It is helpless anger, for his anger will change nothing."

"Sometimes it is hard to live with these two wolves inside me, for both of them try to dominate my spirit."

The boy looked intently into his grandfather's eyes and asked, "Which one wins, Grandfather?"

The grandfather smiled and quietly said, "The one I feed."