Indian Nations Sayings & Wisdom

[JOHNNY RAMIREZ]

Silence was meaningful with the lakota, and his granting a space of silence before talking was done in the practice of true politeness and regardful of the rule that "thought comes before speech."

And in the midst of sorrow, sickness, death or misfortune of any kind, and in the presence of the notable and great, silence was the mark of respect. More powerful than words was silence with the Lakota.

His strict obseverance of this tenet of good behavior was the reason, no doubt, for his being given the false characterization by the white man of being a stoic. He has been judged to be dumb, stupid, indifferent, and unfeeling.

As a matter of truth, he was the most sympathetic of men, but his emotions of depth and sincerity were tempered with contrl. Silence meant to the Lakota what it meant to Disraeli when he said; "Silence is the mother of truth," for the silent man was rver to be trusted, while the man ever ready with speech was never taken seriously.

Chief Luther Standing Bear
Teton Sioux

[George D Rodriguez]

To listen doesn't always mean you hear what is being said. To understand what the person is trying to say and how he says it will determine if he knows of what he is talking about or a bafoon moving his lips just to hear himself.

[Cheewa James]

I am a professional speaker and corporate trainer. I often tell people that the great communications means to be a great listener and to use silence wisely. I especially like these thoughts from Ohiyesa, Santee Sioux: "The Indian believes profoundly in silence -- the sign of a perfect equilibrium. Silence is the absolute poise or balance of body, mind and spirit. The man who preserves his selfhood is ever calm and unshaken by the storms of existence. What are the fruits of silence? They are self-control, true courage or endurance, patience, dignity, and reverence. Silence is the cornerstone of character." -- Cheewa James

[Cheewa James]

Well, that comment should have read: "...I often tell people that great communication means to be a great listener..." I just hate it when I can't blame typos on a computer glitch and have to go with human error. Being an old human being is rough sometimes.

[JOHNNY RAMIREZ]

You are a man of learning as well as wise.

[JOHNNY RAMIREZ]

I thank you for you imput, and I understand, human error as well.

[JOHNNY RAMIREZ]

Neil,

Thank for you comments and your historicl wisdom, as it adds credit to the past, and the words that where spoken by wise men of the times.

Johnny of the N'de Tribe