The famous Chinese legend of Bole appraises horses

In ancient China, there was a renowned horse evaluator named Bole. He was famous for his extraordinary ability to recognize the potential of horses that others often overlooked. One day, a man brought a horse to Bole, seeking his opinion. Upon examining the horse, Bole declared that it had great potential despite its ordinary and unimpressive appearance.

Unlike others who dismissed the horse as mediocre, Bole saw something special in it. He believed that a truly exceptional horse might not always stand out at first glance. Bole's unique talent lay in his ability to perceive the hidden strengths and capabilities of horses that were not immediately obvious to others.

As time went on, and with proper training and care, the horse began to exhibit outstanding qualities. It became faster, stronger, and more enduring than anyone had anticipated. The horse's remarkable performance validated Bole's initial judgment, proving that he had an unparalleled eye for discerning talent in even the most unassuming horses.

Four years ago, at the Milwaukee Chinese School, I often saw a white man in his sixties, with kind eyes and a tall stature. Every time he came to the Chinese school, he sat quietly in the classroom full of Chinese parents. Once, out of curiosity, I asked him, "What is your name?" He replied in somewhat broken Chinese, "My name is Bole." I didn't catch it clearly, so I asked, "What Bole?" He said, "Bole, the Bole who understands horses."

Through conversation, I learned that his name was Bob and he was retired. Recently, he had married a retired Chinese teacher. He could speak a little Chinese. "Bole" was the Chinese name his Chinese wife gave him. It seemed he knew the story of "Bole appraises horses" and he liked this Chinese name. 

Bole's Chinese wife used to be a primary and middle school teacher in China. The Chinese school was in need of experienced teachers like her, so they hired her to teach there. She also wanted something to do, so she came. Because she didn't know how to drive, Bole would come to drop her off each time. Bole didn't know many Chinese people, but he was very cheerful and talkative. As long as you were willing, he was always happy to chat. At that time, it was during the presidential election, and Bole often discussed it with a Chinese neighbor of his. He supported Bush, while the Chinese parent supported Gore. They always argued, but the atmosphere was very friendly. Of course, he later voted for Bush.

Shortly after Bush was elected, it was reported that Bole had cancer. The heads of the Chinese school even went to the hospital to visit him. But a few months later, he still passed away. It was truly unfortunate. I've seen many Americans who were lively just a few months ago, but they passed away shortly after falling ill. Compared to many Chinese people who lie in bed for years or even decades, it was too quick. But it's better this way, reducing the time of suffering. Also, there's no need to fear the Chinese saying, "There are no filial sons by the bedside of a long-ill parent."

Now, another election is upon us. If Bole were aware from beyond the grave, I wonder if he would recognize that he chose the right person back then. There's a Chinese saying, "There are many fine horses, but few Boles." The fact that the story of "Bole and his horses" has survived to this day shows people's high praise and nostalgia for Bole's insight. I often think, if Bole were to choose a president, he would surely pick a good one. At least let him be a commentator in the election, so the voters have a backbone.

One night, while thinking about the election, I fell asleep unknowingly. In my dream, I walked into a secluded valley and saw an old man with an immortal air, meditating in a pavilion. I approached him and found out he was Bole.

I asked him for advice on the U.S. presidential election. Bole said, "I only know how to choose horses, not presidents." I begged him to talk about it. He said, "Young man, it's not that I'm unwilling, but I can't. Choosing a president is completely different from choosing a horse." I asked, "How are they different? Please enlighten me, sir."

Seeing my sincerity, Bole slowly explained, "Firstly, horses can't speak, but people can. A horse can't boast about how fast it runs, but people can say, 'I've done so well, so well.' Isn't this good? The voters would understand the candidates better, wouldn't they? But their words are often hard to distinguish between true and false, and there are many lies, empty words, and nonsense. Many promises are made but often not fulfilled." "That's true. What's the second reason?" "Horses don't damage other horses. They don't say that this horse is too ugly, that horse is too lazy, or that horse stole something. But presidential candidates advertise every day, saying how bad a certain candidate is, how unreliable they are. 'Charge them with a crime before they've committed one.' Lies are told so frequently that they're not afraid you won't believe them." "Then let's just observe their actions." "That sounds simple, but it's difficult to do. For horses, even if a horse could speak ill of another, you can tell who's better by comparing them. Chinese people often say, 'Don't be afraid of not knowing goods, be afraid of comparing them.' 'Whether it's a mule or a horse, take it out for a stroll.' The horses I chose were not favored by others. But as soon as they were on the track, it was clear. But you can't compare when choosing a president." "Why? Can't presidents be compared?" "A country only has one president. There can't be two presidents at the same time. How can you compare them?" "But there must be a distinction between good and bad presidents, right?" "If a president does well, others won't have a chance. When you buy something and use it well, you won't change it easily." "Are you saying that elections only matter when the president does poorly?" "You could say that. But even if the president does poorly, he would say, 'Thanks to me, the country is what

 it is today. In such difficult times, if someone else took over, it would be even worse.' You can't prove whether his words are right or wrong. So the goodness or badness of a president cannot be objectively examined." "So you mean there are no objective standards for good or bad?" "There are standards. It's just that Zhang San has Zhang San's standards, and Li Si has Li Si's standards. There's no standard that everyone agrees on like with horse racing." "Then what are they comparing?" "Presidential campaigns are about who 'speaks' well, not about who 'acts' well." "Your analysis, sir, is truly profound. Can't you join the election? Everyone would value your opinion." "I can't." "Why not?" "If I recommend an elector, he will surely lose." "How could that be?" "Because he'll only have one vote, and that's mine." "No, doesn't anyone else trust your judgment? Many people would vote for your candidate." "Most people agree with me, then I wouldn't be Bole anymore!"

Before I could come to my senses, the old man had already left in a puff of smoke. As I was about to chase after him, the alarm clock rang. I woke up, and it was already 6:30. Oh no, I had to get up, or my son would miss the school bus.

Written in 2004.