Only a Tiger, Not a Dragon

Master Lo:

You have learned only half of what I teach, Jeff. You’re strong. You’re quick. But you’re only a tiger, not a dragon.

The tiger does not think, therefore it cannot act. It can only react, respond. The tiger is strong and fearless, but it cannot initiate action. That is the difference between man and tiger.

Jeff:

Tiger is what I know.

Master Lo:

The dragon is also very strong, but full of wisdom. The dragon fears what its strength can do….

The dragon always has a choice; the tiger, never. I have shown you the dragon, but you have not seen it….

— “The Perfect Weapon” (1991)