10 profound quotes from Aboriginal elders that will change your perspective

Quotes have an uncanny ability to shift our perspective, don’t they? They are succinct, yet powerful, encapsulating wisdom in a few lines.

In my pursuit of understanding life from different angles, I’ve found myself drawn to the wisdom of Aboriginal elders. It’s a vibrant tapestry of knowledge, one that’s deeply rooted in respect for the earth and interconnectedness of all life.

As I delve deeper into their profound words, my perspective has been undeniably shifted. Here are ten quotes from Aboriginal elders that have profoundly transformed my outlook on life and might just do the same for you.

1) “We are all visitors to this time, this place. We are just passing through. Our purpose here is to observe, to learn, to grow, to love… and then we return home.” – Australian Aboriginal Proverb

There’s an incredible humility in this Aboriginal proverb. It suggests that we’re not the owners of the Earth, but merely temporary visitors. This perspective can dramatically shift the way we interact with our world and each other.

We often think of ourselves as permanent fixtures in the grand scheme of things, which can lead to a sense of entitlement or dominance—over nature, over other people. But what if we saw ourselves as part of a much larger cycle? What if we truly understood that our time here is transient and that our primary task is to observe, learn, grow and love?

Such a view nudges us towards greater respect for our environment and each other. It encourages us to be more curious, compassionate, and humble. It shifts our focus from owning and dominating to learning and loving.

Embrace the wisdom of this proverb. See yourself as a visitor on this planet, here for a purpose—to observe, learn, grow, love—and then return home. This simple shift in perspective can transform the way you experience your life and your relationships.

2) “The more you know, the less you need.” – Yidumduma Bill Harney, Aboriginal Elder

Materialism and the constant pursuit of more is a common trap in our modern society. We often equate success and happiness with the number of possessions we have. But this quote from Yidumduma Bill Harney, an Aboriginal Elder, offers a different perspective.

It suggests that knowledge and understanding are far more valuable than material possessions. The more we understand about ourselves, about others, about the world around us, the less we feel the need to fill our lives with things.

I remember a time when I was caught up in the race for more—more money, more stuff, more recognition. But over time, as I delved deeper into my quest for understanding and growth, I found my need for material possessions diminishing. It was as if each new insight peeled away a layer of materialistic desire.

In line with this wisdom, consider the words of Mahatma Gandhi: “Earth provides enough to satisfy every man’s needs, but not every man’s greed.” Let’s strive to know more and need less.

3) “Land is a spiritual entity.” – Uncle Max Dulumunmun Harrison, Yuin Elder

This quote from Uncle Max Dulumunmun Harrison, a Yuin Elder, reminds us of the profound spiritual connection indigenous cultures have with the land. It’s not just a resource to be exploited; it’s a living, breathing entity that sustains us and deserves our respect.

In modern societies, we often lose sight of this spiritual connection to the Earth. We see land as a commodity, something to be bought and sold. But what if we could regain that sense of reverence for the Earth?

This shift in perspective is at the heart of the “Free Your Mind” masterclass with the shaman Rudá Iandê, which I had the privilege of helping produce. This enlightening journey is designed to help you transcend limiting beliefs and societal conditioning, fostering greater authenticity and freedom in your life.

One of the key teachings in this masterclass is rediscovering your personal cosmovision—your unique way of understanding your connection with the universe—which includes developing a deeper relationship with nature. It encourages you to see the world around you not as separate entities but as interconnected parts of a greater whole.

If you’re interested in exploring this more deeply and breaking free from societal conditioning to embrace your true nature, I highly recommend checking out this masterclass. You can join it here and start your journey towards mental and emotional liberation.

Reconnect with the Earth. See land not just as physical terrain, but as a spiritual entity that’s part of who we are. This shift can fundamentally change our relationship with nature and ultimately, with ourselves. Start your journey here.

4) “Our stories are in the land… they are written in those sacred places.” – Murra Murra, Ngadjonji Elder

This quote from Ngadjonji Elder, Murra Murra, emphasizes the deep spiritual connection between people and the land in Aboriginal culture. The land isn’t just a physical entity; it’s a repository of their stories, their history, their identity.

In our modern societies, we’re often disconnected from the land—the concrete jungles we’ve built seem worlds away from the sacred places that indigenous cultures hold dear. But perhaps there’s something we’re losing in this disconnection?

Consider this: What if our stories are also in the land? What if we could reconnect with nature and find a part of ourselves that’s been lost in the hustle and bustle of modern life? What if by reconnecting with the land, we can find a more authentic way of living?

Just as we pondered on the spiritual connection with land in the previous point, let’s reflect on this one. How does your environment influence your story? And how can reconnecting with nature enrich your personal narrative?

5) “The earth is the mother of all people, and all people should have equal rights upon it.” – Chief Joseph, Nez Perce

In our world today, we’re often divided by borders, by race, by social status. But this quote from Chief Joseph, a Nez Perce leader, reminds us of our common roots. We all come from the Earth. We all belong to it.

At first glance, this may seem obvious. But dig a little deeper and you’ll find a profound call to equality and justice. If we all come from the same source, shouldn’t we all have equal rights? Shouldn’t we all have equal opportunities to thrive?

This belief is at the heart of my work at Ideapod and The Vessel. It’s about creating spaces where everyone can express their creativity, live authentically, and contribute to a more just and sustainable future.

Remember: The earth doesn’t play favorites. It’s the mother of all people. And as her children, we should strive to honor this by ensuring that everyone has an equal chance to flourish.

6) “One must go slow to go fast.” – Uncle Bob Randall, Yankunytjatjara Elder

This profound wisdom from Uncle Bob Randall, a Yankunytjatjara Elder, may seem paradoxical at first glance. In our fast-paced world, the notion of slowing down to go faster can feel counterintuitive. We’re often told that speed is key, that we must hustle to achieve our goals.

But what if we’re hustling in the wrong direction? What if by rushing, we’re missing crucial details or making mistakes that cost us more time in the long run?

Slowing down allows us to be more mindful, more deliberate. It gives us time to reflect, reassess and ensure we’re on the right path. It helps us prioritize quality over quantity—a key aspect of living authentically and aligning our actions with our values.

So next time you find yourself rushing, remember Uncle Bob’s wise words. Sometimes you need to slow down to truly get where you want to be.

7) “The land owns us, we don’t own the land.” – Mary Graham, Kombu-merri and Waka Waka Elder

Often in our societies, we’re taught that humans are the dominant species, that we own and control the land. But this quote from Mary Graham, a Kombu-merri and Waka Waka Elder, flips this notion on its head.

She suggests that it’s not us who own the land but rather the land that owns us. This belief fosters a deep respect for nature and encourages sustainable practices that honor the Earth. It’s about recognizing our place in the grand scheme of things and acting accordingly.

As we strive for a world where creativity, compassion, and collaboration guide our actions—this perspective shift can have profound implications. It’s not about dominating, but about understanding and respecting our interconnectedness with nature.

8) “When you lose your language, you lose your culture. When you lose your culture, you lose your identity.” – Miriam-Rose Ungunmerr-Baumann, Nauiyu Elder

Language is more than just a means of communication. As Miriam-Rose Ungunmerr-Baumann, a Nauiyu Elder, suggests, it’s intricately tied to our culture and identity. When we lose our language, we risk losing a crucial part of who we are.

This is a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving diverse languages and cultures in our increasingly globalized world. It’s also a call to value and respect the richness of different cultural expressions.

As we strive for a world where diversity is celebrated and every individual has the chance to thrive—let’s remember the importance of language, culture, and identity. They are what make us unique and contribute to the beautiful tapestry of human experience.

9) “The past is behind us but holds the lessons we carry into the future.” – Auntie Beryl Carmichael, Nyemba Elder

This wisdom from Auntie Beryl Carmichael, a Nyemba Elder, is a poignant reminder that while we can’t change the past, we can learn from it. Our past—both individually and collectively—holds valuable lessons that can guide us towards a better future.

Too often we’re encouraged to forget the past or pretend it didn’t happen. But what if instead of ignoring it, we faced it head-on? What if we extracted lessons from it and used them to inform our future decisions?

As we strive for personal growth and societal progress—let’s remember to look back as well as forward. The key to unlocking a better future often lies in understanding our past.

10) “Take only what you need, leave the rest.” – Uncle Max Dulumunmun Harrison, Yuin Elder

In a world where overconsumption and wastefulness are often the norm, this advice from Uncle Max Dulumunmun Harrison, a Yuin Elder, is particularly relevant.

It’s a call to live sustainably, to respect the Earth’s resources, and to consider the impact of our actions. It’s about aligning our financial decisions with our deepest values and using our resources responsibly.

As we strive to live authentically and create a more sustainable future—let’s remember to take only what we need and leave the rest. Our small actions can have a big impact on the world around us.

Embracing a New Perspective

In this journey through the profound wisdom of Aboriginal elders, we’ve explored a new perspective that values our interconnectedness with the Earth, cherishes diversity, and encourages a more mindful and sustainable way of living.

We’ve learned that we’re not the owners but visitors on this Earth, that the land is a spiritual entity deeply tied to our identities, and that slowing down can actually help us move faster towards our goals. We’ve been reminded to value knowledge over material possessions, to learn from our past while embracing the future, and to take only what we need.

For those ready to delve deeper into these principles and explore their own connection with nature and themselves, I highly recommend the free “Free Your Mind” masterclass with Rudá Iandê. As a co-founder of The Vessel, I was deeply involved in producing this masterclass because I believe in its power to transform lives.

In this masterclass, Rudá Iandê guides you through exercises designed to help you break free from societal conditioning and develop your unique cosmovision. It’s about embracing your authenticity and realigning your thoughts and actions with your deepest values.

Joining this masterclass will provide you with the tools to create a fulfilling and authentic life that’s truly in harmony with nature. So why wait? Start your journey here.

By embracing the wisdom of Aboriginal elders and integrating it into our daily lives, we can contribute to a more just, sustainable, and compassionate world—a world where every individual has the opportunity to thrive. And remember, as Uncle Max Dulumunmun Harrison said, “Take only what you need, leave the rest.” Begin your transformation today.