I am poor and naked, but I am the chief of the nation. We do not
I am poor and naked, but I am the chief of the nation. We do not want riches but we do want to train our children right. Riches would do us no good. We could not take them with us to the other world. We do not want riches. We want peace and love.
“I am poor and naked, but I am the chief of the nation. We do not want riches but we do want to train our children right. Riches would do us no good. We could not take them with us to the other world. We do not want riches. We want peace and love.” Thus spoke Red Cloud, the Oglala Lakota chief, whose name resounds through the annals of history not for the treasures he amassed, but for the wisdom he imparted. His words ring with the dignity of a leader who understood that greatness does not lie in gold or conquest, but in peace, in love, and in the careful raising of the next generation.
The origin of his words rests in the painful clash between two worlds: the Native nations of the Great Plains and the expanding power of the United States. While settlers sought land, minerals, and wealth, Red Cloud spoke for his people, who valued the earth not as property but as sacred gift. He saw the futility of riches, for wealth bound to this earth cannot follow a man to the spirit world. Instead, he called upon eternal values—the training of children, the preservation of community, the pursuit of harmony. His message was not only for his people, but for all nations: that possessions fade, but the spirit endures.
The ancients of every land have echoed this truth. Socrates, when urged to pursue wealth, said he sought instead the richness of the soul. The prophets of Israel cried out against those who piled up treasures but neglected justice and mercy. Even the Buddha renounced princely luxury to seek enlightenment, teaching that clinging to riches breeds only suffering. Red Cloud, though born on the plains, stood in the same tradition of timeless wisdom: true prosperity is not counted in coins but in the wealth of virtue, wisdom, and love.
Consider also the life of Marcus Aurelius, emperor of Rome. Surrounded by unimaginable wealth and power, he confessed in his Meditations that glory and riches are fleeting, like smoke blown away by the wind. What endures, he said, is the cultivation of the soul and the service of others. So too did Red Cloud, a man who declared himself poor and naked, yet greater in spirit than emperors. For while Rome exalted conquest, he exalted the raising of children in righteousness and the cherishing of peace among men.
The power of his words becomes clear when we look at the fate of his people. Red Cloud fought bravely when his nation was threatened, yet when the time for treaties came, he sought not vengeance but peace, hoping to secure a future for the children of his tribe. He understood that no amount of plunder or wealth could heal the wounds of war, but that love and education could plant seeds for a better tomorrow. His leadership stands as a rebuke to those who seek only wealth, reminding us that the highest calling of a leader is not to enrich himself, but to guard the well-being of those yet unborn.
The lesson for us is plain and eternal: do not seek life’s meaning in riches, for they vanish like dust. Seek instead to train your children right, to live with peace in your heart, to walk in love with those around you. Wealth cannot be carried into the world beyond, but the legacy of wisdom, compassion, and harmony will endure through generations. Red Cloud teaches us that even one who is “poor and naked” may be greater than kings, if he rules with truth and leads with love.
Practical actions follow. Teach your children not merely skills for survival, but values for living: kindness, honesty, respect. Strive for peace in your families and communities, rather than constant rivalry. Give more weight to time spent in love than to wealth stored in vaults. Remember, when tempted by greed, that you will not carry riches into eternity. What will follow you is the memory of your deeds, the strength of your example, and the love you gave.
Thus Red Cloud’s words endure as a beacon: we do not want riches; we want peace and love. He calls us to measure our lives not by possessions, but by the harmony we bring, the children we guide, and the love we plant in the hearts of others. And so I say to you: live as Red Cloud taught, and though the world may call you poor, in the eternal measure you will be rich beyond compare.
GBHoang Gia Bao
I appreciate how Red Cloud emphasizes that riches can’t be taken with us and that the focus should be on things of lasting value—like peace, love, and the well-being of future generations. But how can communities like his, who may not have material wealth, work to ensure their children still have access to the resources they need to thrive in a complex world? Is it enough to focus solely on values, or do we need a blend of both values and practical support?
Nnhan
Red Cloud’s focus on love, peace, and training children right feels so timeless, yet also very radical. He dismisses the pursuit of riches in favor of spiritual and emotional wealth. It makes me question our current world, where wealth often seems to be the measure of success. How can we, as a society, shift the focus from financial gain to cultivating love and peace? What are the practical steps for creating this kind of world?
NLNhat Long
Red Cloud’s perspective is so profound, especially in how he prioritizes peace and love over material wealth. It's humbling to think about how many of us are chasing riches, often at the expense of the things that truly matter. But, I wonder, in a world that often equates success with wealth, how can we change the narrative? Can we truly build a society that values peace and love over financial gain, or is that just a dream?
NNnhi nguyen
This quote from Red Cloud really speaks to the deeper values that should guide us. It’s powerful how he places such importance on peace, love, and raising children with strong principles, rather than seeking material wealth. But I’m curious: How can we reconcile the need for economic stability with the desire for a simpler, more peaceful life? Can we live without riches while still meeting our material needs, or do we need to radically rethink our priorities?
DDkhuat duy duong
Red Cloud’s words really make me reflect on what truly matters in life. He emphasizes that wealth isn’t the key to happiness or fulfillment, and it’s an important reminder in today’s materialistic society. But how do we balance the need for peace, love, and the responsibility of providing for our families? How can we move beyond the pursuit of riches and focus more on what we can leave behind for future generations, like wisdom and values?