Ohiyesa

Every line we carry

Each one links to its source, what it means, and the shirt in any of our looks.

1. Silence is the cornerstone of character.

   Ohiyesa writes that his people valued silence above clever speech. From silence grow self-control, endurance, patience and dignity. Talk less, listen more and let your actions carry the weight.

   The Soul of the Indian (1911), ch. 4 'Barbarism and the Moral Code', Original English (The Soul of the Indian, 1911)

2. The fruits of silence: self-control, courage, patience, dignity.

   Silence is not empty; it is where the strongest virtues are grown. Someone who can be quiet can also wait, endure and keep their head. Practice a few minutes of real quiet each day and see what grows.

   The Soul of the Indian (1911), ch. 4, Original English (The Soul of the Indian, 1911)

3. Calm as a pool with not a ripple, whatever storms pass.

   This is the ideal Ohiyesa says the old sages held up: a person so settled that hard weather does not stir them. Calm is a practice, not a temperament. When the storm hits, be the still water.

   The Soul of the Indian (1911), ch. 4, Original English (The Soul of the Indian, 1911)

4. The love of possessions is a weakness to be overcome.

   Ohiyesa writes that his people saw the urge to collect things as a weakness that throws the spirit off balance. The more we own, the more owns us. Hold your things lightly.

   The Soul of the Indian (1911), ch. 4, Original English (The Soul of the Indian, 1911)

5. Give what you prize most.

   Children were taught to give away what they valued most, so they would learn the happiness of giving early. Giving what you do not need is easy; giving what you love changes you. Try it once and notice how it feels.

   The Soul of the Indian (1911), ch. 4, Original English (The Soul of the Indian, 1911)

6. The truly brave man is at all times master of himself.

   Ohiyesa says his people saw bravery less as aggression than as complete self-control. The brave person is not ruled by fear, anger, craving or pain. Master yourself and courage follows.

   The Soul of the Indian (1911), ch. 4, Original English (The Soul of the Indian, 1911)

7. Let no cold, hunger or fear stop you from doing a good deed.

   An old chief says it to a scout going out in winter to find food for a hungry camp. Courage here is about service, not glory. Do the good thing even when it costs comfort.

   The Soul of the Indian (1911), ch. 4, Original English (The Soul of the Indian, 1911)

8. Guard your tongue in youth.

   The young are quick to speak and slow to think. Hold your tongue while you are learning, and you will have something worth saying later. Wisdom grows in the quiet years.

   The Soul of the Indian (1911), ch. 4, Original English (The Soul of the Indian, 1911)

9. As a child I knew how to give. Civilization made me forget.

   Ohiyesa, a doctor and author educated at Dartmouth, looks back at the generosity of his boyhood with regret. Comfort and money can make us tighter-fisted, not looser. Recover the child's open hand.

   The Soul of the Indian (1911), ch. 4, Original English (The Soul of the Indian, 1911)

10. He is nearer to us in solitude.

    His people prayed alone, without priests or crowds, because they felt the Great Mystery was closest in solitude. Time alone is not loneliness; it can be the most connected time of all. Go somewhere quiet and listen.

    The Soul of the Indian (1911), ch. 1, Original English (The Soul of the Indian, 1911)

11. Be brave, be patient, and you will always win.

    These were the words spoken when the boy was named Ohiyesa, which means Winner. Bravery and patience together beat almost anything. Take the hit, keep your nerve and outlast it.

    Indian Boyhood (1902), the naming of Ohiyesa, Original English (Indian Boyhood, 1902)

12. Patience is not born. Practice alone makes the master.

    Ohiyesa corrects the myth that his people were born stoic and skilled. Calm and skill were trained daily from childhood. Whatever you admire in others was probably practiced; start practicing it.

    Indian Boyhood (1902), ch. 'An Indian Boy's Training', Original English (Indian Boyhood, 1902)

13. Silence is greater than speech.

    Ohiyesa tells scouts that a charging bear backs down from someone who stands still and says nothing. Quiet firmness often wins where noise fails. In a tense moment, stand your ground and let silence work.

    Indian Scout Talks (1914), ch. on animals, Original English (Indian Scout Talks, 1914)