The inner struggle

I have always loved this story (and various versions of it that I've heard/read). Also, it's on my sister's fridge.

(most sources give it the title "Two Wolves.")


An old Indian 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 that 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 poison and wishing your enemy would die. I have struggled with these feeling many times."

He continued.

"There is a battle that goes on inside us all. It is as if there are two wolves battling inside each of us.

"One is Good.

"He is joy, peace, perseverance, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, empathy, generosity, truth, and faith.

"He 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. He saves all his energy for the right fight.

"The other wolf is Evil.

"He is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, and ego.

"The littlest thing will set him into a fit of temper. He fights everyone, all 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 of us, for both will try and dominate our spirit."

The boy looked intently into his Grandfather's eyes and asked,

"Which wolf wins, Grandfather?"

The Grandfather smiled and quietly said,

"The one you feed."

(I'm tired.)