Let us put our minds together and see what life we can make for

"Let us put our minds together and see what life we can make for our children." These stirring words, spoken by Sitting Bull, carry a profound call to collective action, to vision, and to the sacred duty of preparing a better future for the generations that come after us. Sitting Bull, a revered leader of the Lakota Sioux, understood that the struggles of his people were not solely about the present, but about the legacy they would leave for their children. This statement is not merely a reflection on community but a call for unified purpose—for the collective strength of society, be it a tribe, a nation, or a family, to come together to shape the future. To him, the well-being of future generations rested on the wisdom, sacrifices, and decisions of the present.

In the ancient world, the importance of leaving a legacy was a central theme in the teachings of many great civilizations. The Greeks believed in the idea of arete, or excellence, which was not just about personal achievement but about living in a way that benefits others, especially the younger generations. Plato taught that the well-being of society depended on the guidance and nurturing of youth, for they would carry forward the ideals and values of their elders. Aristotle echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the purpose of the polis (city-state) was to create conditions for virtue to thrive, ensuring that future generations would inherit a world rich with opportunities for growth and wisdom. Sitting Bull’s words align with this ancient wisdom: we must cultivate the future by fostering a society that can nourish the minds and hearts of our children.

Consider the example of Alexander the Great, whose vision of an empire stretched across vast lands, from Greece to India. Though he is often remembered for his military prowess, Alexander’s greatest ambition was to leave a world where future generations would experience the benefits of cultural exchange, unity, and prosperity. His legacy was not merely in the lands he conquered, but in the way he sought to build bridges between East and West, bringing knowledge, art, and philosophy to the farthest corners of his empire. Alexander's vision was shaped by the understanding that the world must be shaped for the future, and that the decisions of one generation could create a lasting impact on the lives of their children and grandchildren.

In a more modern context, the civil rights movement led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. also embodies this idea of working for future generations. King’s commitment was not just to the present fight for justice, but to a world in which his children and the children of others would inherit a society built on equality, freedom, and brotherhood. In his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech, King envisioned a future where the ideals of justice and equality would be a reality for all, regardless of race. He understood that the efforts of the present generation would pave the way for a better world for those who would come after. Like Sitting Bull, King saw that to truly honor our ancestors and create a better world, we must act now to shape a future of hope and dignity for our children.

Sitting Bull’s statement also speaks to the deep responsibility we have toward our descendants. It is easy, in times of comfort or prosperity, to think only of our own needs and desires. Yet, history shows that the greatest societies—from Rome to the Iroquois Confederacy—were those that placed the needs of future generations at the heart of their decision-making. The Iroquois Great Law of Peace emphasized the importance of considering the impact of present actions on the seven generations to come. This idea was not simply about long-term thinking—it was about honoring the legacy of those who came before and ensuring that the world we create today will serve the needs of those who will inherit it.

To live in accordance with Sitting Bull’s wisdom, we must begin by reflecting on the legacy we want to leave behind. What decisions are we making today that will affect the lives of our children? Are we building a world of peace, justice, and compassion, or are we contributing to a legacy of division, destruction, or ignorance? Every action we take is a stone in the foundation of the world we will pass on. Whether through education, environmental stewardship, or the values we teach our children, we hold the power to shape a future that honors the principles of peace, equality, and love.

So, let this be your guiding principle: put your minds together and consider the world you wish to pass on. Work toward a future that will be worthy of your children’s inheritance. Make decisions with foresight, understanding that every step you take will echo through the generations. Honor the wisdom of those who came before, and let that wisdom inform the world you create for those who will come after. For in the end, it is not just the world we live in that matters, but the world we leave behind. Make it worthy of the generations to come.