Every person, at some point in life, faces an internal conflict—an invisible struggle between opposing emotions, values, or decisions. One of the most powerful stories to illustrate this is the Two Wolves parable, a tale that resonates deeply because it mirrors a universal human experience: the battle within.
The story is often attributed to Cherokee wisdom, though its origin is debated. Despite this, the message it conveys is timeless and widely recognized across cultures. The Two Wolves parable is about recognizing our inner dialogue and understanding how the choices we make, even in thought, shape who we become.
What Is the Two Wolves Parable?
The parable goes like this:
A grandfather is talking with his grandson. He says, “A fight is going on inside me. It is a terrible fight between two wolves.
One is evil—he is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.
The other is good—he is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith.
The same fight is going on inside you—and inside every other person, too.”
The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, “Which wolf will win?”
The old man simply replied, “The one you feed.”
This simple story encapsulates a deep psychological truth: we all have the capacity for both light and darkness. Our internal battles are shaped by the thoughts, actions, and emotions we nurture every day.
Understanding the Symbolism Behind the Wolves
The “evil” wolf is often misunderstood. It doesn’t mean that anger or sadness are inherently wrong—they’re human emotions. The story is less about suppressing certain feelings and more about acknowledging which parts of ourselves we give power to.
- Feeding the “good” wolf means choosing forgiveness over revenge, empathy over judgment, and patience over impulse.
- Feeding the “bad” wolf can look like dwelling in resentment, acting on jealousy, or holding grudges.
Psychologically, this aligns with cognitive-behavioral theory, which suggests that our thoughts influence our feelings, which in turn influence our actions. What we “feed” in our minds tends to become more dominant in our lives.
Why This Parable Matters Today
In today’s hyperconnected world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by external pressures—news, social media, expectations. These often amplify the voice of the “bad” wolf, pushing us toward comparison, self-doubt, and anxiety.
But the parable reminds us: we have a choice.
This is not just philosophical. Research from Psychology Today shows that controlling your thoughts and choosing which ones to focus on can improve well-being. Mindfulness, gratitude practices, and emotional regulation are all modern techniques that echo the wisdom of the Two Wolves story.
Feeding the Right Wolf: Practical Ways to Apply the Parable
You don’t have to be in a forest with a wise elder to live the lesson of the Two Wolves. You just have to pay attention to your inner world.
Here’s how you can apply the message in everyday life:
1. Practice Self-Awareness
Take a few moments each day to check in with yourself. What thoughts are dominating your mind? Are you feeding insecurity, or are you reinforcing confidence?
2. Interrupt Negative Thought Patterns
When you catch yourself spiraling into jealousy or anger, pause. Ask yourself: Is this thought helping me? If not, replace it with something constructive.
3. Choose Your Inputs Wisely
The content you consume influences your inner dialogue. Are your social media feeds lifting you up or dragging you down? Curate what you allow into your mental space.
4. Build Compassion as a Habit
Kindness is a muscle. Volunteer, compliment others, or practice empathy in difficult conversations. These acts feed the good wolf naturally.
5. Focus on Gratitude
Start or end your day by naming three things you’re thankful for. Gratitude directly strengthens the mindset aligned with the “good” wolf.
The Parable in Leadership, Parenting, and Personal Growth
The Two Wolves story isn’t just a personal metaphor—it has practical application in leadership, family life, and personal development.
- Leaders who foster positive culture, encourage emotional intelligence, and address conflict constructively are feeding the good wolf on a group level.
- Parents can teach their children emotional regulation and the importance of kindness through this story, making the message accessible and relatable.
- In personal development, the parable acts as a moral compass. It reminds you that growth requires discipline and conscious effort—not just positive thinking.
For those interested in how this applies to coaching and therapy, the ACT model (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) focuses on identifying which “inner voice” to follow, much like choosing which wolf to feed (APA Dictionary of Psychology).
Is It Really That Simple?
Some critics argue that the Two Wolves parable oversimplifies human psychology. Real-life emotions are not black and white, and it’s not always easy to categorize thoughts into “good” and “bad.”
That’s valid. However, the story works best not as a literal instruction manual, but as a metaphor for mindful living. It’s not about denying emotions like anger or sadness—it’s about choosing whether we react to those feelings with bitterness or understanding.
Conclusion: The Fight Is Ongoing, but So Is the Choice
You can’t silence your inner wolves—but you can choose which one becomes stronger. The Two Wolves parable reminds us that we are not just passive observers of our emotional lives. We are participants, and our decisions matter.
Feeding the good wolf doesn’t mean you’ll never struggle again. But it means you’re creating the conditions for resilience, peace, and authentic connection—starting with yourself.
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