The Wolves in our Hearts

Imparting a lesson to his grandchildren, it is said, a wise Cherokee tells them of a fierce battle raging inside him, and inside each of them – one he likens to a terrible struggle between two wolves. The black wolf, he explains, represents all things horrific: anger, hatred, fear, sorrow, regret, greed, self-pity, false pride, and lies. The other, a white wolf, stands for love, hope, happiness, generosity, peace, humility, compassion, empathy, and truth. Answering one child’s query as to which wolf wins, the grandfather replies, “The one you feed.”