Confucius on Inherent Worth: The Calf Destined for the Altar

Confucius said using a metaphor: Even if men reject a worthy calf of lowly origin, the spirits of nature will not.

If the calf of a brindled cow be red and horned, although men may not wish to use it, would the spirits of the mountains and rivers put it aside?

犂牛之子騂且角,虽欲勿用,山川其舍诸?

Source: The Analects, Yong Ye VI, Chapter 6

Author: Confucius

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