ANDEAN WISDOM IN THE INCAN EMPIRE

What do we know about Andean wisdom? How did the Incas manage achieve so much perfection in everything they did? How is it that their rites and customs are still preserved today?
When we talk about the Empire of the Incas, we are talking about the history of one of the greatest civilizations of all time, the one that cemented its greatness with high moral values, a courageous spirit and mystical beliefs. This is the empire that knew how to build impressive citadels nestled in the mountains and that extended its reign across almost all of South America.

​Let’s get to know Andean wisdom

The high level achieved by the Incas lies in what we know as Andean wisdom. The Incas knew how to conceive their origin and live in harmony with nature, life and the cosmos. For the Incas, one could not live well if others were upset or if Mother Earth or the Pachamama was damaged. To live well meant to understand that the deterioration of a species or place implied damage to everything as a whole.
Therefore, the following principles stood out among those that governed the life of the Incas:

• Suma Manq’ aña: Knowing how to eat and feed oneself. The Incas knew how to choose healthy foods and prioritized health before satisfying just their appetites.
• Suma Umaña: Knowing how to drink. The Incas initiated their ceremonies with the ch’alla, which means giving water to the earth (Pachamama).
• Suma Munaña: Knowing how to love and how to be loved. This principle was reflected in mutual respect.
• Suma Churaña, suma Katukaña: Knowing how to give and knowing how to receive. In life everything flows. We know how to give and also how to receive—two forces that move the world.

​Incan Moral Values

Perhaps the Incas did not have encyclopedias of ethics, but they lived by practicing authentic human values, typical of civilized and highly organized societies. The three main values of the Incas were:

• Ama Sua (do not steal). This principle motivated them to live honestly and rejected crime of theft in all forms.
• Ama Llulla (do not lie). This value encouraged them to speak truthfully and rejected lying in all its forms.
• Ama Quella (do not be lazy). This principle emphasized work as a virtue and a basic element of personal and social progress.

It should be noted that, because of their importance, these values were adopted by the UN as standards for more efficient public management.