When the time comes, let loose a tiger and a devil; but wait for the time with the tiger and the devil chained -not shown- yet always ready.
Interpretation
Be prepared to act decisively when the moment arises, but practice patience and restraint until then.
This quote by Charles Dickens emphasizes the importance of being ready for action while also highlighting the virtue of patience. It suggests that while we may have the capacity for strength and aggression ('a tiger and a devil'), there is a time for restraint, where we should hold back our fierceness until the right moment arrives. The imagery of a tiger and a devil symbolizes both the potential for ferocity and the need to control it until necessary.
In practice
This quote can be shared during a leadership workshop to inspire patience and planning before taking action.
I recollected one story there was in the village, how that on a certain night in the year (it might be that very night for anything I knew), all the dead people came out of the ground and sat at the heads of their own graves till morning.
A silent look of affection and regard when all other eyes are turned coldly away-the consciousness that we possess the sympathy and affection of one being when all others have deserted us-is a hold, a stay, a comfort, in the deepest affliction, which no wealth could purchase, or power bestow.
Heaven knows we need never be ashamed of our tears, for they are rain upon the blinding dust of earth, overlying our hard hearts. I was better after I had cried, than before--more sorry, more aware of my own ingratitude, more gentle.
There are not a few among the disciples of charity who require, in their vocation, scarcely less excitement than the votaries of pleasure in theirs.
You might, from your appearance, be the wife of Lucifer,” said Miss Pross, in her breathing. “Nevertheless, you shall not get the better of me. I am an Englishwoman.
Christmas is a poor excuse every 25th of December to pick a man's pockets.
I approve of anyone wearing what the establishment says you must not wear.
I don't believe in killing whatever the reason!
I'm not the kind of cat that's going to cut off an ear if I can't do something.
A great part of courage is the courage of having done the thing before.
I realize that patriotism is not enough. I must have no hatred or bitterness towards anyone.
Let them call me rebel, and welcome, I feel no concern from it.
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