A quote from Chief Tecumseh

“When you rise in the morning, give thanks for the light, for your life, for your strength. Give thanks for your food and for the joy of living. If you see no reason to give thanks, the fault lies in yourself.”

Tecumseh
Shawnee Chief, Philosopher, Freedom Fighter.

My family has deep Midwestern roots. My dad’s family arrived in Ohio from Germany after the war but my mom’s family has lived in Michigan for generations. She was born in the town of Tecumseh named after the Shawnee chief, warrior, and philosopher.

She’s always loved a good quote and often reminds us of the native people who have lived in the Midwest for millennia.

A few years ago this quote appeared in her kitchen and I loved it so much I’ve made my own version and even used it my phone’s wallpaper so it’s the first thing I see when I pick up my phone.

I hope it inspires you, too!

I’ve discovered that this quote is part of a longer quote from this book.

“So live your life that the fear of death can never enter your heart. Trouble no one about their religion; respect others in their view, and demand that they respect yours. Love your life, perfect your life, beautify all things in your life. Seek to make your life long and its purpose in the service of your people. Prepare a noble death song for the day when you go over the great divide. Always give a word or a sign of salute when meeting or passing a friend, even a stranger, when in a lonely place. Show respect to all people and grovel to none. When you arise in the morning give thanks for the food and for the joy of living. If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies only in yourself. Abuse no one and no thing, for abuse turns the wise ones to fools and robs the spirit of its vision. When it comes your time to die, be not like those whose hearts are filled with the fear of death, so that when their time comes they weep and pray for a little more time to live their lives over again in a different way. Sing your death song and die like a hero going home.”