“The Seventh Generation Principle is based on an ancient Iroquois philosophy that the decisions we make today should result in a sustainable world seven generations into the future.”
I heard this mentioned the other night while watching the PBS show “Native America,” and it struck me that there might not be seven generations down from me. I can see three, but what is going to happen to the next four? What will their lives be like, if they even exist?
Looking back, I can see up to 10 or more generations of some of the branches of my family. I’m not sure that most of them were concerned with more than living to the next generation due to the hardships of their lives back then. Even the ones who were more comfortable financially fell to disease, illness and accidents. But, they persevered and here I am.
Did the ones who were farmers worry about the land not providing for them? Did the hunters think there would be no more game? Did my great-grandfather who owned the company that sold grain worry about the future of the crops seven generations away? Did my great-great grandfather who died treating Yellow Fever patients worry about whether I would have to deal with this disease so many generations down his line? I don’t know.
What is true is that we know today that that we can influence the future – or we can destroy it. We’ve lost that ancient idea that we are part of this earth, equal to the plants and animals, birds and fish. I’m reading Annie Proulx’s novel, “Barkskins,” cringing as the Europeans ravage North America’s forests for wood for ships and houses after they had devastated the forests of their own countries. The Native Americans in the story are losing their connections with nature as they are assimilated into the new culture. Humans have chosen greed over the future for centuries.
So, I will continue to fight for the things that I want in my world, hoping they continue into the future. I will work for better education, women’s and children’s issues, healthcare, a better city and state where I live.
The older I get, the more I find my soul restored by beauty of nature where I find myself to be such a minuscule bit of life balanced by the wildness around me. It puts me in my place and brings me peace of mind and strength of resolve to live my life in the best ways possible.
What I can do for my grandchildren’s grandchildren’s grandchildren’s children? The best thing I can think of for lasting value is to ensure that the earth and its inhabitants are cared for in the best possible ways. That’s the best gift I can think of for all those precious generations to come.
Confetti Thoughts 
A good piece, Karen. I’ve been thinking lately of what we should do to prepare my daughter for the next 50 years, in a global climate change impacted world. For example, should I look for a new home that’s higher up in the Northern latitudes? And not near current sea level? Should I consider an area of crop-growing potential?
It’s a lot for a late 20th-Century guy to think about. And perhaps a lot more like what our ancestors had to think about…
Beautiful!
It is 9:15 am and I have shed tears twice. First tears came when I heard there was another shooting, killing many collage students. How many must die before we do something about gun laws??? I took my phone hoping I could find anything positive.
There was confettithoughts. How beautiful your thoughts can turn me around. I had happy tears and I MUST tell YOU, THANK YOU . Your beautiful thoughts brought me back to the good things in this world. When I was a kid, I called myself White Feather, and I have not changed it.
Thank you so much. I was also horrified to hear of another shooting. I have 5 grandsons in college and it could have been them. I’m trying to find positive things in all the awful news. Nature always brings me back – and I’m a city girl. I love your name!