Indian Scout Talks

“Have you ever wondered why most great men were born in humble homes and passed their early youth in the open country? There a boy is accustomed to see the sun rise and set every day; there rocks and trees are personal friends, and his geography is born with him, for he carries a map of the region in his head. In civilization there are many deaf ears and blind eyes. Because the average boy in the town has been deprived of close contact and intimacy with nature, what he has learned from books he soon forgets, or is unable to apply. All learning is a dead language to him who gets it at second hand.”

Another fine volume from Charles Eastman [his The Soul of the Indian was reviewed on this blog.] It takes the form of a series of talks or lessons to young readers, but this reader long past Boy Scout years still found much wisdom within.

A fine read for both American Indian enthusiasts and scout-crafters culling for ideas.