Item 7 in Anishinaabe Seven Grandfather Teachings

Wisdom

Use knowledge, experience and sound judgement for right living.

Position
7
Form
Mixed formulation
Obligation
Context-dependent
Wording status
Translation
Intended audience
Anishinaabe communities and others receiving the teachings with cultural context and respect
Last reviewed
28 June 2027

Names and terminology

Canonical name: Nibwaakaawin

Original term: Nibwaakaawin

Transliteration: Nibwaakaawin

Source wording

<p>Use knowledge, experience and sound judgement for right living.</p><p><em>Editorial paraphrase; consult the linked source for full wording and context.</em></p>

Translation

Literal meaning

Use knowledge, experience and sound judgement for right living.

Broader interpretation

Use knowledge, experience and sound judgement for right living.

Historical context

This principle belongs to Anishinaabe Seven Grandfather Teachings and must be read within that framework's setting.

Practical meaning

Use knowledge, experience and sound judgement for right living.

Ethical purpose

Use knowledge, experience and sound judgement for right living.

Exceptions and disputes

The teachings must not be mislabelled as a universal 'Native American code' or detached from Anishinaabe peoples and authority.

Variations across schools or traditions

This page follows an Anishinabek Nation enumeration and does not claim identical wording or authority across all Anishinaabe communities.

Modern application

Use knowledge, experience and sound judgement for right living. Modern application should consider consent, evidence, proportionality, power and consequences.

Criticism and difficult cases

The teachings must not be mislabelled as a universal 'Native American code' or detached from Anishinaabe peoples and authority.

Truth By Reason analysis

Use knowledge, experience and sound judgement for right living. Application should preserve the ethical purpose while avoiding coercion, discrimination and preventable harm.

Ethical themes

  • Wisdom
  • Truth-seeking

Sources