He admired the Native American peoples for their traditions and distinctive appearance, and took to painting them - his marked talent led to their respect for his gifts, and they duly welcomed him with friendship. Overall, one could venture that Catlin's ideas possess a certain merit, even if his book is an exaggeration.Īlthough primarily known today as a painter and traveller who became an emissary of sorts to the Plains tribes, George Catlin was also an enthusiastic if occasional writer. However, sleep researchers have demonstrated that breathing with the mouth open while asleep can result in more snoring and thus a lower quality of sleep and therefore health. Today, the notion that mouth breathing promotes physical ugliness or decrepitude is wholly disavowed as an eccentric idea with no basis in fact. This book details how children and young people can be encouraged against mouth breathing, and notes how different the facial countenance appears between mouth breathing people and nose breathers. After venturing back to the towns of the Midwest, he attests to witnessing how terrible many people who had practiced mouth breathing throughout life appeared, and became deeply opposed to its practice. Seeing the tribe's members sleeping, he noted that they all did so with closed mouths.Ĭatlin pondered whether this habit contributed to the physical vigor of the people, and investigated further. Decongest your nose, increase your body temperature and activate your bodies relaxation response in three to four minutes by simply altering your breath. Catlin pondered whether this habit contributed to the physical vigor of the people, and investigated further. The young members of the tribe seemed especially healthy, with an innate resistance to certain illnesses and congenital conditions. Seeing the tribes members sleeping, he noted that they all did so with closed mouths. Walking among and studying various Native American. Remember: Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles. If you talk too much you may get into all kinds of troubles.

Walking among and studying various Native American tribes in the 19th century, the author noticed that many of the elders possessed a serene and well-preserved appearance. Read Shut Your Mouth and Save Your Life (Illustrated) by George Catlin available from Rakuten Kobo. Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat. This edition contains all of the original illustrations the author made. George Catlin discusses how closing one's mouth during sleep and day to day will foster improvement in mental and physical condition.

Shut your mouth and save your life