How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
"It would have been more wonderful had he spoken without a bidding. No, no; your young white, who gathers his learning from books and can measure what he knows by the page, may conceit that his knowledge, like his legs, outruns that of his fathers', but, where experience is the master, the scholar is made to know the value of years, and respects them accordingly." (21.10)
Here Hawkeye is expressing Native belief that experience and age are to be more respected than greater learning. Wait, but how does this jibe with what he said about Cora being wise even though she's young?
Quote #8
"You will have occasion for your best manhood, and for a sharper wit than what is to be gathered in books, afore you outdo the cunning or get the better of the courage of a Mingo. God bless you! if the Hurons master your scalp, rely on the promise of one who has two stout warriors to back him. They shall pay for their victory, with a life for every hair it holds. I say, young gentleman, may Providence bless your undertaking, which is altogether for good; and, remember, that to outwit the knaves it is lawful to practise things that may not be naturally the gift of a white-skin." (22.62)
Here Hawkeye calls for Duncan to use all the cunning he can bring to the situation. Cunning and cleverness is portrayed as way more useful than studied military tactics or having read the complete works of Shakespeare.