The Indian view of aging is at odds with the emphasis on youthfulness and physical beauty evident in the dominant culture . Conflict may result when Indians are influenced by non-Indian attitudes toward youthfulness. A generation gap may result causing a loss to Indian people of the wisdom and knowledge of the elders, who are the speakers of native languages and the carriers of the culture. Respect for Nature Because nature cannot be regulated, Indians formed a cooperative way of life to function in balance with nature. If sickness occurs or food is lacking the Indian believes that the necessary balance or harmony has somehow been destroyed.
Nature is full of spirits and hence spiritual.
Indians fashioned their way of life by living in harmony with nature. As a result, even today most Indians do not believe in progress at the expense of all else. Mainly Indians have also been taught to reject a strictly scientific explanation of the cosmos in favor of a supernatural one. Certain tribes adhere to restrictions against touching certain animals. The Indian respect of nature is in opposition to the value others place on the importance of controlling and asserting mastery over nature.