The Lakota Way
Stories and lessons for living
Native American wisdom on ethics and character
Joseph M. Marshall III
Published by Penguin Compass, 48th printing 2002
finalist for
The PEN Center USA West Literary Award for Creative Nonfiction
and
The Books for a Better Life Award
discover the timeless wisdom of the lakota people
Rich with storytelling, history, and folklore, The Lakota Way expresses the heart of
Native American philosophy and imparts the path to a fulfilling and meaningful life.
Joseph Marshall is a member of the Sicangu Lakota Sioux and has dedicated his
entire life to practicing and teaching the wisdom he learned from his elders.
Here he focusses on the twelve core qualities that are crucial to the Lakota way of
living - bravery, fortitude, generosity, wisdom, respect, honor, perseverance, love,
humility, sacrifice, truth, and compassion - and illustrates them with personal stories
and archetypal Lakota tales. Whether teaching a lesson on respect imparted by the
mythical Deer Woman or the humility embodied by the legendary Lakota leader Crazy Horse,
The Lakota Way is a compelling and profound work that offers a fresh outlook on
spirituality and ethical living.
"The Lakota Way catpures the beliefs, values, and wisdom that have sustained
the Lakota people since time immemorial ... People of all cultures will find valuable
lessons in each of the stories."
- Wilma Mankiller
"This is a book I've been waiting for ... It is genuine. It is generous. It caries with it
a respect and reverence for a way of being in the world."
- Linda Hogan, author of Dwellings and Woman Who Watches Over the World
(The text above comes from the back of the book)