One evening an old Cherokee Indian told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people. He said, ‘My son, the battle is between two ‘wolves’ inside us all.One is Evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.
The other is good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith.’
The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather: ‘Which wolf wins?’
The old Cherokee simply replied, ‘The one you feed.’
This is such a lovely story: so simple and yet so true. I think each and every one of us has these two wolves running around inside us. The Evil wolf or the Good Wolf is fed daily by the choices we make with our thoughts. What you think about and dwell upon will in a sense appear in your life and influence your behavior.
We have a choice, feed the Good Wolf and it will show up in our character, habits and behavior positively. Or feed the Evil Wolf and our whole world will turn negative: like poison, this will slowly eat away at our soul.
The crucial question is “Which are you feeding today”?
Wisdom Path 
Salaam,
True, absolutely true. a very inspiring story my brother. Thank you for sharing.
Salaam, and you’re most welcome. Nice blog you got there sis.
It also seems true that we are not the only ones who feed our wolves – that our family, friends and acquaintances also feed them. How does this affect our free will?
David,
the good and bad spirits this tale are speaking of are the ones “inside you”. YOU are the one who has a choice to decide which one to feed. 🙂
External forces will always try to influence your thought patterns or behaviors (knowingly or unknowingly), etc. but it’s up to you to decide what to dwell on or let affect you.
Ask Jesus for wisdom and he will give it freely.
God bless.
id bring a steak!
It’s a wonderful story.
I, too, have wondered about others feeding the wolves.
When others offer to feed our wolves, we can deny them access to the beasts.
It is always our choice.
I have used this story as part of a story I have blogged. I will give you credit of course, although I am sure that this story has been passed through the generations.
I am of the Cherokee Nation and do like this story. It is certainly food for thought and one that should be considered.
Great blog. I am going to bookmark you so that I may read more from you.
Hi Naila, thanks for coming. take what you like, put them to good use. I’m just happy that you did.
Where do I find this story to buy? Or what is the title? I would love to pass this on. thanks
Just pass it on Carol.
I like the story and see the wisdom in it, but I also wonder when one is pushed to the wall and feels there is nowhere to go, how does one avoid feeding the Bad Wolf? I know it’s not an easy thing.
IT IS NOT AN EASY THING
If 90 % of religion/politics culture controllers & creators are created by the Black wHITe wolf for “controlling & exploiting” individuals , and 10 % by the white red Wolve , like Zen Buddismmmm))” is created in order to inspire and guide 2 be u tea , then there is the problem.
Isolated jungle trybes have 5 % of the time stress when a lion group eats children , a rather natural reason indeed , but thank god free western democratic civilied societies have 70 % of the time strezzzz , only 3500 % more , when their 7 th communication method (msn-ning). is “completly f hug ked upo!!) For mother nature the most stupid degeneration sign , this tsres does not help Mother Natures Evolution , it raips it in the ass till the blood and aids burst out !
Guys and Worthy starter and all Cherokees , especially dying Cherokee souls :
The amount of poison and raip and garbage the US spoils the young virgin Nature with in one hour …….. ???!!! = equal to the same amount of spoiling the “” The Original Colour of Northern America Indians (originally Russians by Beringstreet)) did in in their whole 30.000 years …
So lets make a soulfull Mother Nature Cherokee statute for the WhitE Cherokke Wolve
This wisest story i read belongs form now on 2 His Story
So lest find its sources and make the makers and culture that create this raw diamant ; THE NEW FUN AND NATURE RELIGION MOTHER NATURE AND OUR SOULS ALL DESERVE AND ARE DESPERATELY LONGING 4
Andreiko A.S. van Koeverden
+37529 6699 999 / inspiremyheart@mail.ru
This story was sent to me today by a hometown (New Milford NJ) Facebook friend. I found it to be especially meaningful as I struggle with my feelings about reconciliation with those I love.
O’siyo!
This has always been one of my favorite stories. It explains so easily, the inner conflict that all humans go through. We have all endured struggles. We have all been hurt and betrayed. But will you fall victim of those transgressions and let them own you? Or will you rise above and keep peace in your heart? The choice is yours!
Wado!
I recently got “The one you feed” tattooed on my back as my daily reminder, that you are what you make of yourself. Great story.
Does anyone know where this story originated?
it could have originated from the american indians as the title suggests, I guess 😉
Reblogged this on emma beeken and commented:
I love this tale, and I seem to see it often. I’m beginning to think that maybe this evil wolf good wolf dynamic is also on the outside of us. I think society as a whole also has one, certainly in evidence after so many recent events.. more thought is required on this .. feel free to comment with your thoughts
Hello.. I have re-blogged your post, I hope you don’t mind 🙂
Glad that you did
Very nice blog, and more importantly, the thoughts contained in it. I spent nearly 2 hours reading it. It seems like you are posting less these days. Keep it up, share the wisdom.
BTW, on the above question about the origin of the Cherokee two wolves story, I did a little research and it appears doubtful if it is a real American Indian story. See http://apihtawikosisan.com/2012/02/21/check-the-tag-on-that-indian-story/, http://www.tumblr.com/tagged/two-wolves, http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Who_wrote_Two_Wolves_words_of_an_old_Cherokee_Indian
Thanks. I had other priorities and had very little time left for this site. but now that you’ve mentioned, I will try to post more frequent. thanks for coming.
Namaste.
Thank you for sharing this great story my friend 🙂
Know this:
Despite the all-too-often reality of the past and present- that a lie tends to make it 3X around the world before truth has a chance to lace up its running shoes-
The Good Wolf is strongest and wisest. Keep feeding her/him, inside and out and she/he will protect, defend and assert your highest self with light into any and every darkness. Have faith in yourself and the goodness in every person with whom you come into contact. You can only control your own thoughts and actions- the rest is what happens to you- it’s how you CHOOSE to react to that, that makes ALL the difference!