( Originally Published Early 1900's ) "The definition of being
is simply power," says a speaker in Plato's Sophist; and this is
a statement to which every American Indian would accede. Each
being in nature, the Indians believe, has an indwelling power by
means of which this being maintains its particular character and
in its own way affects other beings. Such powers may be little
or great, weak or mighty; and of course it behooves a man to
know which ones are great and mighty. Outward appearances are no
sure sign of the strength of an indwelling potency; often a
small animal or a lethargic stone may be the seat of a mighty
power; but usually some peculiarity will indicate to the
thoughtful observer the object of exceptional might, or it may
be revealed in a dream or vision. To become the possessor of
such an object is to have one's own powers proportionally
increased; it is good "medicine" and will make one strong. Every
American language has its name for these indwelling powers of
things. The Eskimo word is