The ancient wisdom of “observing a horse’s four hooves and a person’s four features” is a subtle art of assessing both horses and individuals.
“Observing a Horse’s Four Hooves
While many people judge a horse based on its external appearance and whether it can travel the desired distance, true horse connoisseurs look beyond the surface and examine the ‘four hooves.’
The “four hooves” refer to four specific areas of a horse’s hoof: the hoof wall, the hoof pastern axis, the hoof heel, and the hoof sole (or the hoof rim, hoof crest, hoof wall, and hoof sole).
This ancient saying also implies that we shouldn’t judge others based on their outward appearance alone. In our work, we must focus on actual results rather than mere words or outward appearances. Relying solely on outward appearances will undoubtedly lead to failure.
“Observing a Person’s Four Features
It is relatively easy to identify a horse that can travel a thousand miles, but it is far more challenging to find a person with high moral character and knowledge. With thousands of people in the world and even more complex thoughts and diverse personalities, it is not easy to spot someone with negative qualities because people are excellent at disguising their true selves, making it hard to discern their true nature.
According to the ancients, observing and understanding a person’s character requires examining four aspects:
+ Physical Features:
When discussing a person’s physical features, the first thing that comes to mind is their five senses. Whether a person has a deceitful nature or is a noble individual, their facial features will reveal their character. Therefore, by observing one’s physical appearance, we can deduce aspects of their personality.
+ Skin:
In daily life, if someone consistently displays a rosy complexion and a smiling face, it indicates wealth and a happy marriage. Conversely, if a person’s skin is rough, dull, pale, or wrinkled, it suggests they are going through challenging times.
+ Bone Structure:
In the eyes of the ancients, bone structure could determine one’s fate. A sunken and withered bone structure signified loneliness, poverty, and a tumultuous life. In contrast, rounded and protruding bones indicated superior abilities.
A rosy complexion coupled with a positive mental state indicates good health. Conversely, if someone appears sorrowful daily, their aura will reflect this, especially if they have a pale or jaundiced complexion, indicating a lack of food or clothing or a life filled with disappointments.