David Petraeus
approach to life and appearances

The following is a description of David's basic stance toward life, the way others see him, the way David Petraeus comes across, the face he shows to the world. In the page about motivation you will read about the inner David Petraeus - his real motivation, which describes the kind of person he is at heart and where his true priorities lie. Study this page and the next one and compare them - there may be significant differences between the two, in which case "the inner David Petraeus" may not shine through and others may be in for so a few surprises once they get to know David a little better. This page describes the disguise General Petraeus wears, his role in life, while the page about motivation talks about the real person beneath the disguise.

Cautious, prudent, and rather self-contained, he is a person who approaches life realistically and who is not inclined to take foolish chances or get carried away by the overly optimistic or idealistic schemes of starry-eyed dreamers. In fact, David Petraeus frequently has a jaundiced view of such things. He is rather worldly-wise at a fairly young age, even somewhat of a cynic. Often the world does not seem like a safe, friendly place to General Petraeus, and he tends to approach life in a guarded, conservative manner. He is generally calculated and careful, and is rarely spontaneous, fluid, open, and childlike.

He is pragmatic, shrewd, and an excellent strategist, carefully planning his moves for maximum effectiveness and advantage. He is willing to work long and persistently for what he wants and he often does things the hard way. David does not expect others to take care of him and sometimes refuses or simply does not seek any outside help. He is often very ambitious, but quietly so. There is nothing flamboyant or flashy about his approach. He is very responsible, conscientious, and concerned with his duties to others and how he comes across socially - his "rank" so to speak.

To others David Petraeus seems mature, serious, quiet, reflective, and emotionally detached. David dislikes sloppy sentimentality and will not openly display his feelings, especially the more tender ones. General Petraeus likes to always appear poised and in control; and he hates to show any weakness, vulnerability, or chinks in his armor.

David Petraeus respects tradition and the time-honored way of doing things, and he feels that there is much to be gained from studying history and also by learning from older, more experienced people. A wise mentor or father is often General Petraeus' guide in life, and he in turn develops a great deal of hard-earned wisdom, which he likes to impart to younger people.

David Petraeus has a stern, authoritarian, no-nonsense aspect to his personality. He expects much from himself and may not give himself enough leeway to experiment and make mistakes.

He also tends to be rather close-fisted, to save and conserve his money and resources rather than spending or enjoying them. David Petraeus spends money on things of quality and of lasting value, things which are good investments, but not frivolous, temporary pleasures. There is a bit of the ascetic in him. David exercises great self-discipline and self-control and he can "do without" very well. His tastes are generally understated and simple.

Though he may have other, more colorful and imaginative sides, the face General Petraeus shows the world is modest and rather conservative.

The effect of his childhood experiences, and the beliefs and attitudes David learned while young, are clearly apparent in his demeanor. All is well on the surface, but when trouble arises, David Petraeus seems childish and needy. When he is in calmer waters, he appears to have a vulnerable, trusting nature that brings out the mothering instinct in others.

David Petraeus comes across as contained, and perhaps wary or mistrustful as well. He watches his step, and frequently withdraws if his environment does not feel welcoming and safe. As a result, General Petraeus may seem much more conservative than he actually is. David is wary of committing social blunders and is extremely sensitive to criticism or rejection. As he matures, David Petraeus' confidence is likely to grow because he will learn to depend more on his own self-assessment..

David Petraeus is extremely sensitive to all the impressions and energies around him and at times can be overcome or dominated by more forceful personalities. Learning to establish clear boundaries is important for him, as David Petraeus tends to become enmeshed emotionally and/or psychically with whomever he is with. He may have the chameleon's trait of appearing to become the people or person he is with the most.

There is a certain depth and intensity about David that may be threatening to others. No matter how gentle or unassuming David Petraeus may be on the surface, he is also a force to be reckoned with. David has causes, passions or desires that drive him and when one of these is aroused General Petraeus is quite zealous in his pursuit or defense of it.

Astrological factors in this Astro Profile section:

Capricorn Rising

Moon Opposition Asc.

Saturn Square Asc.

Neptune Square Asc.

Pluto Quincunx Asc.