“The True Peace- the first peace, which is the most important, is that which comes within the souls of people when they realize their relationship, their oneness, with the universe and all its powers, and when they realize that at the center of the universe dwells Wakan-Tanka (the Great Spirit), and that this center is really everywhere, it is within each of us. This is the real peace, and the others are but reflections of this. The second peace is that which is made between two individuals, and the third is that which is made between two nations. But above all you should understand that there can never be peace between nations until there is known that true peace, which, as I have often said, is within the souls of men.”
-- Black Elk, Oglala Dakota Nation
The Peace Pipe, 1953
Hope you appreciate this little break from the relentless Paine-related history. Sad, isn’t it, how we ran right over the top of people we characterized as “savages” in order to steal the land and plunder the earth of its resources, most notably gold and silver. There is a price to pay for all this; we and our descendents are already paying it, still too blinded by the lust for money and possessions to understand. Teach your children well and practice peace.
Wise words!!