"I was a good surgeon, I was not always a good healer." (Introduction, 3)

"At the basis of Navajo philosophies of healing is a concept called 'Walking in Beauty.' It is a way of living a balanced and harmonious life, in touch with all components of one's world. This is a path to better health and healing and life." (Introduction, 3)

"I live between two worlds. In one of them I am a dispenser of a very technologically advanced Western style of medicine. In the other, people are healed by songs, herbs, sand paintings, and ceremonies held by firelight in the deep of winter." (Chapter 1, 8)

"The scalpel is my tool...but may 'Silver Bear', my Navajo beliefs and culture ... are what guide me." (Chapter 1, 16)

"The outside non-Indian world is tribeless, full of wandering singular souls, seeking connection through societies, clubs and other groups. White people know what it is...