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The Lakota Way Analysis

Decent Essays

In the Lakota Way, Marshall teaches many different virtues that all are important to being a good person, but respect shines above them all. It is at the cornerstone of every virtue the author puts forth. It is clear in every story told by Marshall and in every lesson taught in The Lakota Way. Without at least a modicum of respect, the virtues taught by the Lakota would be less valuable to us as a society. Respect as a virtue is a simple virtue and should be followed at all times in daily life. In a short definition respect means treating others, human or otherwise, in a dignified manner; however, this does not mean that everyone on Earth as royalty. As Marshall puts it, “respect is a close relative of tolerance (Marshall 44).” Following this further the author is acknowledging that all humans will always have our …show more content…

In daily life showing respect is easy. For example, holding the door for someone and not letting it slam in their face, giving up your seat on the bus to the elderly or someone else who needs it, or by simply ignoring an opinion that may differ from ours instead of berating the original poster on why they are wrong. With a little bit of respect for one another we can all make the world a better place for everyone that lives on Earth.
Furthermore, respect is a virtue that extends not just to people, but to every living creature that walks the Earth. One Lakota, Luther Standing Bear, published a book around the 1900’s and “talked about respect as an essential ingredient for balanced interaction among all living things (Marshall 44).” This extends to the tiny spider that crawls around on your bedroom wall to the animals that we kill on a daily basis so we can survive. Livestock, like cows and pigs, are essential to feeding families across the globe. Despite the animals making the ultimate sacrifice for our

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