The Wolves Within

Author Unknown
modified by Jeff Hamilton

A young boy stormed into the house, angry at the injustice a schoolmate had done to him. He ran to his grandfather for sympathy and his grandfather said, “Let me tell you a story. I too, at times, felt hatred for those who take with no regret for what they do. But hate wears you down and does not hurt your enemy. It is like taking poison and wishing your enemy would die.

“I have struggled often with these feelings. It is as if there are two wolves inside me; one is good and does no harm. He lives in harmony with everyone around him. He takes no offense when no insult was intended. He will only fight when it is right to do so, and when it is in the right way.

“But the other wolf, ah! He is full of anger. The littlest thing will set him into a fit of temper. He fights everyone, at all times, and for no particular reason. He cannot think because his anger and hate are so great.

“It is hard to live with these two wolves in me, for both of them try to dominate my spirit.”

The boy looked intently into his grandfather’s eyes and asked, “Which one wins, Grandpa?”

His grandfather solemnly replied, “The one I feed.”