Tiger whiskers function like miniature radar detectors. They can pick up on subtle vibrations in the air, allowing them to intuitively gauge distances between themselves and their prey, as well as detect subtle changes in the direction of the wind. If you were to somehow snip a tiger's whiskers––without first being mauled to death––you'd effectively be snipping away a good chunk of their intuition.

Those of us who work a vocation that require a high degree of creativity, have hyper sensitive whiskers. Legendary producer, Rick Rubin, calls these antennae. The problem with whiskers (or antennae) is that in addition to allowing for heightened creativity, they make everything hurt more.

When you're young, you can withstand the hurt. But, as you get older, the hurt can become too much to bear. Because of this, creatives snip their whiskers. They build up scar-tissue. They stop allowing themselves to feel. With time, their art will suffer.

Stay open. Even when life hurts like lye in a paper-cut, stay open. Keep your whiskers.