One must have a trained mind, if only in order to reach the height of
one's physical possibilities, and all-round efficiency depends much upon
the kind of training described in the foregoing talks. The "School of
Savagery" is no haphazard thing, but a system of education which has
been long in the building, and which produces results. Ingenuity,
faithfulness, and self-reliance will accomplish wonderful things in
civilized life as well as in wild life, but, to my mind, individuality
and initiative are more successfully developed in the out-of-door man.
Where the other man is regarded more than self, duty is sweeter and more
inspiring, patriotism more sacred, and friendship is a true and eternal
bond.
The Indian is trained in the natural way, which means that he is kept in
close contact with the natural world. Incidentally, he finds himself,
and is conscious of his relation to all life. The spiritual world is
real to him. The splendor of life stands out pre-eminently, while beyond
all, and in all, dwells the Great Mystery, unsolved and unsolvable,
except in those things which it is good for his own spirit to know.
The good things of earth are not his to hold against his brothers, but
they are his to use and enjoy together with his fellows, to whom it is
his privilege to bring them. In seeking thus, he develops a wholesome,
vigorous body and mind, to which all exertion seems play, rather than
painful toil for possession's sake. Happy, rollicking, boy man! Gallant,
patriotic, public-spirited--in the Indian is the lusty youth of
humanity. He is always ready to undertake the impossible, or to
impoverish himself to please his friend.
Most of all he values the opportunity of being a minute-man--a Scout!
Every boy, from the very beginning of his training, is an embryo public
servant. He puts into daily practice the lessons that in this way become
part of himself. There are no salaries, no "tips," no prizes to work
for. He takes his pay in the recognition of the community and the
consciousness of unselfish service. Let us have more of this spirit of
the American Indian, the Boy Scout's prototype, to leaven the brilliant
selfishness of our modern civilization!