Thoughts and Words of Oxen
The great thing in this world is not so much where we stand as in what direction we are moving.
Oliver Wendell Holmes
The truest wisdom is a resolute determination.
Napoleon Bonaparte
What you ardently and constantly desire, you always get.
Napoleon Bonaparte
Ideals are like stars; you will not succeed in touching them with your hands. But like the seafaring man on the desert of waters, you choose them as your guides, and following them, you will reach your destiny.
Carl Schurz
I will act as if what I do makes a difference.
William James
I am in earnest – I will not equivocate – I will not excuse – I will not retreat a single inch; and I will be heard.
William Lloyd Garrison
I do not know anyone who has got to the top without hard work. That is the recipe. It will not always get you to the top, but it should get you pretty near.
Margaret Thatcher
One only gets to the top rung on the ladder by steadily climbing up one at a time, and suddenly all sorts of powers, all sorts of abilities which you thought never belonged to you, suddenly become a possibility and you think, ‘Well, I’ll have a go, too.’
Margaret Thatcher
Live your beliefs and you can turn the world around.
Henry David Thoreau
I have learned that if one advances in the direction of his dreams and endeavours to live the life he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.
Henry David Thoreau
Men are born to success, not to fail.
Henry David Thoreau
31 January 1938–18 February 1939 — Earth Tiger
17 February 1950–5 February 1951 — Metal Tiger
5 February 1962–24 January 1963 — Water Tiger
23 January 1974–10 February 1975 — Wood Tiger
9 February 1986–28 January 1987 — Fire Tiger
28 January 1998–15 February 1999 — Earth Tiger
14 February 2010–2 February 2011 — Metal Tiger
1 February 2022–21 January 2023 — Water Tiger
19 February 2034–7 February 2035 — Wood Tiger
The Personality of the Tiger
With their stripes and stealth, Tigers are impressive creatures. They are noticed and command respect. And those born under the Tiger sign also have great presence and can make their mark in many ways.
Tigers are born under the sign of courage. They are adventurous and have keen, eager natures. Not only are they capable of coming up with many ideas – Tigers are creative and inventive – but they are innovators. If something new comes along or an appealing opportunity presents itself, they are sure to pursue it. However, their quest for the new can lead to moments of recklessness. Tigers do not always think through the consequences of their actions. They are risk-takers and sometimes their haste does not always lead to the most favourable of outcomes. In life, they will experience knocks and reversals, but they are quick to learn and their unquenchable spirit will lead them forever on.
With their zeal and belief in themselves and their ideas, Tigers are natural leaders. They are enthusiastic, compelling and action-driven, although, curiously, at times indecisive, perhaps bewildered by the choices in front of them. They are honourable in their dealings with others and public-spirited. Many have championed causes, fought injustices or helped others in times of need. Tigers are noble. And they have a rebellious streak and will take a stand against authority should the situation warrant it.
With their enquiring natures, Tigers have a great many interests and involve themselves in a myriad of activities. They are rarely still and usually to be found leading busy and fulfilling lifestyles. However, because they thirst for the new and are keen to experience a great deal, there are times when they lack commitment and move from one thing to another. Tigers can be restless, and if they were to be more persistent, their levels of success would sometimes be greater. Also, as they like to be self-reliant, they do not always seek out or listen to advice from others, and sometimes this can be to their disadvantage. There will be times when Tigers learn the hard way.
Being adventurous, Tigers are often keen to travel and to see new places. They also have a wonderful gift of relating to others. They are lively, stimulating company and usually have a wide social circle. They are also very open and upfront in their dealings with others. They have a dislike of falsehood and hypocrisy and speak as they find. There is no pretence with Tigers – they are genuine, honest and personable.
With their independent spirit, they often leave home at a young age, and many will quickly settle down and establish their own homes. As a partner, they can be caring, protective and generous. If a parent, their enthusiasm and wide interests will do much to encourage their children’s development. Tigers make fine teachers.
In many ways, Tigers like to impress. Not only have they a vibrant, friendly personality, but they take care with their appearance. Whether wearing smart fashionable clothes or adopting a more flamboyant and striking style, they know what suits them. This is a talent of both male and female Tigers, although the female is possibly more socially aware than her male counterpart. She is observant and perceptive and has a happy knack of getting on well with most people. She empathizes, is attentive and, when it comes to entertaining, makes a marvellous hostess. She cares, and this is what makes a difference.
In their early working life in particular, Tigers are apt to change jobs quite frequently, as they are always trying to improve their lot. And because of their quick wits, their integrity and their willingness to take on responsibilities, they can do well. If their work encourages creativity and nurtures (rather than stifles) their abilities, many can rise to positions of authority. They enjoy challenge and will keenly pursue targets or objectives. Their communication skills can make them effective advocates, campaigners or politicians, as well as inspirational teachers. Humanitarian work could also appeal, as could careers in the arts, media and commerce, all of which would allow them scope for creative input. With their energy and competitive spirit, they could also find sporting careers tempting. Tigers have many skills and considerable potential.
Their earning abilities are considerable too, but they would be advised to remain disciplined in financial matters. Tigers like to live for the moment and can spend freely. They are also generous, and their money can come and go all too easily. Setting funds aside for specific requirements and saving for the future could be to their advantage. Also, if embarking on anything risky, they need to be careful and aware of the implications involved. Trusting to luck can provide some salutary and sometimes painful lessons.
Nevertheless, Tigers are certainly special, as well as generous, inventive and courageous. Some of their endeavours may end in disaster and some of their dreams will never materialize, but they will succeed in a great many things and lead lives that are fulfilling in so many ways.
The poet John Masefield was born under the Tiger sign and he wrote:
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