"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, and 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 bow 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 nothing, 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 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."
-- Chief Tecumseh of the
Shawnee
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