Seven generations

The Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) have a sustainability philosophy known as the Seventh Generation Principle.

That today’s decisions should take into consideration their impact on the next seven generations — in the stewardship of natural resources, in relationships, in our words and actions. It’s a deep sensitivity to those who will inherit the earth.

Among the Iroquois teachings is the concept that the world we live in … we’re borrowing it from future generations.

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So much of our culture is steeped in the immediacy of today with an intentional blindness about tomorrow.

Seven generations. Seven.

Can we be so bold? Can we have such vision? Can we cultivate such respect for the world and its future?

Of course we can. The bigger question is: will we?