The Ox is highly respected in traditional Chinese society because it helps plough and harvest the land and signifies prosperity through fortitude and hard work. It is the second sign at the Chinese zodiac, having been cheated out of first position in the zodiac race when the Rat, with great cunning, jumped from its back and reached the river bank first. The Ox is a patient, loyal, tender and caring companion. Loazi was a prominent thinker in ancient China, who on becoming discouraged with the political climate headed towards the wilderness on his faithful Ox. Before he left he was asked to write down his knowledge. Sitting on his Ox, Laozi wrote Daode jing. The most important book in Taoism.