You must teach your children that the ground beneath their feet is the ashes of your grandfathers. So that they will respect the land, tell your children that the earth is rich with the lives of our kin. Teach your children what we have taught our children, that the earth is our mother. Whatever befalls the earth befalls the sons of the earth. If men spit upon the ground, they spit upon themselves.

Summary

This quote emphasizes the importance of teaching future generations to value and respect the land. By understanding that the ground they walk upon contains the remains of their ancestors, children are encouraged to see it as sacred and worthy of protection. It also highlights the interconnectedness between people and the earth, portraying it as a maternal figure that sustains and nurtures humanity. The quote further suggests that any harm inflicted upon the earth ultimately harms ourselves, as we are all interconnected and dependent on its well-being.

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