Two Wolves

An old grandfather, whose grandson came to him with anger at a schoolmate who had done him an injustice said to the youngster,

“Let me tell you a story. I, too, at times, have felt a great deal of hate for those that have taken so much, with no sorrow or regret 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 feelings many times.”

He continued, “It is as if there are two wolves inside me; one is good and 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.”

“But the other world, ah! He is full of anger. The littlest thing will set him into a fit of temper. He fights everyone, all the time, for the least of reasons. He cannot think because his anger and hate are so great. It is hard to live with these two wolves inside me, for both of them try to command my spirit.”

The boy looked intently into his Grandfather’s eyes. “Which one wins, Grandfather? Which is the strongest?”

“The one I feed,” the old man replied.