All things are our relatives; what we do to everything, we do to ourselves. – Heȟáka Sápa

Black Elk (1863-1950) was a revered Lakota holy man, medicine man, and spiritual leader. Here are some of his profound quotes:

Inspirational Quotes

• 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.¹ ² ³
• The Holy Land is everywhere.
• Peace will come to the hearts of men when they realize their oneness with the universe.

Wisdom and Spirituality

• Grown men may learn from very little children, for the hearts of little children are pure.
• The Great Spirit is everywhere; He hears whatever is in our minds and our hearts.
• All things are our relatives; what we do to everything, we do to ourselves.

Reflections on Life and Society

• I did not know then how much was ended. When I look back now…a people’s dream died there. It was a beautiful dream.
• Any man who is attached to things of this world is one who lives in ignorance.
• The life of a man is a circle from childhood to childhood.

On Nature and the Environment

• The universe is circles within circles, and everything is one circle.
• Everything an Indian does is in a circle.
• Like the grasses showing tender faces to each other, thus we should do.