The story being bandied about online about The Two Wolves and which one wins is the one you feed --- is not true! It is being lost in translation. The following is the real story ...

An Elder tells his Grandson, "There is a war going on inside me."

"I have two wolves, a black wolf, and a white wolf. The black wolf is anger, hatred, greed, blame, shame, guilt, and every negative emotion you can think of. And the white wolf is joy, peace, sharing, gratitude. This wolf is loving, kind, and helpful."

"And they fight inside me. When a decision has to be made. Both wish to be heard. And I have to fight with myself as they fight with each other. On which one to listen to."

"You too, have this war going on inside you. As does every man, woman, and child."

"Grandfather, which one wins?"

Grandfather says, "It's not which one you feed the most." He says, "Grandson, you must feed them both."

"Because if you decide to feed the white wolf, which you would think is the best choice because he wants to be loving and peaceful, and kind and helpful. And If you ignore the black wolf, then he will be waiting to make his presence known, every time your mind is weak."

"Every time you are stressed. Every time your back is turned or you are not paying attention. See, you must also acknowledge the black wolf."

"You must feed them both. For when they are both well fed, then there is no reason for them to fight because the black wolf also has strengths that from time to time you will need. Such as fierceness and spirit."

"And sometimes we need this. He is calculating. He thinks about which choice to make."

"The black wolf is fearless and passionate, and can push us forward when we need to be pushed. And formidable ally in Anger Management, Constructive Criticism, Reasoning, Considering the Consequences of Actions, Controlling your Feelings so that they do not control you. The white wolf does not have these strengths. But the white wolf has gentleness and kindness."