This Zhuangzi ‑ Mati excerpt uses Bo Le’s horse‑taming fable. It blames sages’ imposed rituals and virtues for ruining innate nature, and praises the ancient Age of Perfect Virtue of plain, unconstrained simplicity.
Han Feizi tells Bo Le assigned rare thousand-li steed appraisal to disliked pupils and quick-profit nag judging to favorites, warning against impractical decisions guided by superficial opinions.
Bo Le taught his disciples to spot kicking horses. One horse did not kick because of swollen knees. The story shows external conditions limit ability; one must look beyond surface to judge wisely.
A figure from the time of Duke Mu of Qin during the Spring and Autumn period (circa 7th century BCE), Bo Le’s given name was Ziliang, and he was renowned under the honorific title “Bo Le.” He was famed for his exceptional ability to evaluate horses and treat equine illnesses.