The Brahmin and the Goat

A Brahmin loaded a goat on his shoulders and was walking home. On the way, two cheats saw him and plotted to steal the goat. It was daytime, so it was impossible to snatch the animal, as many people were on the street. So the duo followed him and waited until he reached a secluded area. They stood at different points on the road so the Brahmin wouldn't suspect they were partners.

One of the tricksters feigned surprise and asked the Brahmin, "Hello, why are you carrying this dirty dog?"

"Are you blind?" snapped the Brahmin. "Don't you see I'm carrying a goat?"

"I see a dog, not a goat," said the cheat.

The Brahmin carefully studied the goat's face and body.

"I strongly believe this is a goat, not a dog," he told the fraud. "Either you've never seen a goat before, or you've lost your mind. Now let me go home."

Though a little confused, the Brahmin continued his journey.

A little later, the second cheat approached him and exclaimed, "Oh God! Why are you carrying this dead calf on your shoulders?"

Now the Brahmin was alarmed and no longer trusted his own senses. He thought there was something strange about the creature—perhaps it was a spirit that could change its appearance at will. He set the goat down on the ground and ran home. The cheats immediately grabbed the goat and carried it away.

Everyone should trust their own judgment.