The Indian knew how to live without wants, to suffer without complaint, and to die singing

The Indian knew how to live without wants, to suffer without complaint, and to die singing

Alexis de Tocqueville, a French political thinker and historian, is best known for his work "Democracy in America," in which he explores the unique characteristics of American society and government. However, Tocqueville also had a keen interest in the indigenous peoples of North America, particularly the Native American tribes. In his writings, Tocqueville often reflected on the ways in which Native Americans lived, suffered, and died, and how their experiences contrasted with those of European settlers.

One of the most famous quotes attributed to Tocqueville regarding Native Americans is: "The Indian knew how to live without wants, to suffer without complaint, and to die singing." This statement encapsulates Tocqueville's admiration for the resilience and strength of Native American cultures, which he believed stood in stark contrast to the materialism and individualism of European societies.

Tocqueville observed that Native Americans lived in harmony with nature, relying on the land for their sustenance and living in close-knit communities that prioritized cooperation and mutual support. Unlike the Europeans, who were driven by a desire for wealth and power, the Native Americans were content with what they had and did not seek to accumulate material possessions. Tocqueville saw this as a sign of their spiritual richness and moral strength, which he believed had been eroded in European societies by the pursuit of material gain.

Furthermore, Tocqueville noted that Native Americans endured great hardships and suffering, particularly in the face of European colonization and the loss of their lands and way of life. Despite these challenges, Native Americans did not complain or seek revenge, but instead accepted their fate with dignity and grace. Tocqueville admired their stoicism and resilience in the face of adversity, seeing it as a testament to their inner strength and spiritual fortitude.

Tocqueville remarked on the way in which Native Americans faced death, often with a sense of acceptance and even joy. He noted that many Native American tribes had rituals and ceremonies that celebrated the passage from life to death, viewing it as a natural part of the cycle of existence. Tocqueville saw this as a reflection of their deep connection to the spiritual world and their acceptance of the impermanence of life.