Project Blog #13 - I Will Fight No More Forever

In this speech by Chief Joseph, the Indian leader tells his men and fellow Indians that he truly cannot go on fighting anymore (Joseph). He feels he has lost too many friends and family members and simply wants the war to go on no longer. It seems all hope is lost in Chief Joseph. "I want to have time to look for my children and see how many I can find. Maybe I shall find them among the dead," says the Chief (Joseph). It is clear the old, wise man knows what is best for the tribes, and that is to cease all warlike conduct and save what lives are still left.

Decisions are beginning to be made by the younger generations because the older leaders have been killed or are slowly dying of old age. Joseph says that it is up to them whether to fighting continues, but makes it clear it is in their best interest to stop (Joseph). I find this interesting because it seems like the Chief is leaving the youth to decide for themselves and giving them choices, but he directs and leads them in the right direction.

When compared to the ideas and behavior of Henry David Thoreau, Chief Joseph shares many characteristics with the notorious philosopher. Thoreau, first of all, was a very wise man. In his philosophies, he kind of sets a virtue for society, much like Chief Joseph does for his younger tribe. People trusted Thoreau and knew what he said was promising. Chief Joseph was considered a good chief because he was a reliable individual and many people could look up to him for advice. Writer Michael Cisco says that Thoreau is an avid naturalist who wrote not about what he wanted to do, or what he did do, but what he thought should be done. Much like Chief Joseph, who believed, as important fighting and honor was to the tribe, living and making it out okay was what should be done, and Joseph makes that clear in his speech.

Cisco, Michael. "Henry David Thoreau: Bachelor of Thought and Nature." In Bloom, Harold, ed. Henry David Thoreau, Bloom's BioCritiques. Philadelphia: Chelsea House Publishing, 2003. Bloom's Literary Reference Online. Facts On File, Inc.

"Chief Joseph." Welcome to Georgia State University. Web. 01 Mar. 2012.