February 1 marks the start of the Year of the Tiger according to the Chinese lunar calendar. Traditionally, the tiger has always been the symbol of bravery, wisdom, and strength. 

You all know the story of a young Indian boy named Pi, stranded on a lifeboat in the Pacific Ocean with a 450-pound Bengal tiger.

In his philosophical novel Life of Pi, which was later adapted into a movie, Yann Martel raises questions about life, spirituality and human nature. 

The tiger named Richard Parker in Life of Pi symbolizes the desire for survival. In some way, Richard Parker was the reason which kept Pi alive. Being his biggest threat, the tiger makes Pi forget his temporary problems, such as lack of food and strong sea currents.

The most satisfying part is that Pi manages to tame and dominate Richard Parker while at the same time remaining his best friend. 

At the end of the day, as almost always happens in fiction stories, Richard Parker could only live in Pi’s imagination. The tiger could simply represent Pi’s alter ego. The fact is, the tiger with his animal instinct lives in all of us, hungry for wisdom, looking for strength, and fighting for survival. 

Get inspired today! Check out our selection of inspiring quotes. 👇