There is a Taoist story of an old
farmer who had worked his crops for many years. One day his horse ran
away. Upon hearing the news, his neighbours came to visit.
"Such bad luck," they said
sympathetically.
"May be," the farmer
replied.
The next morning the horse returned,
bringing with it three other wild horses.
"How wonderful," the
neighbours exclaimed.
"May be," replied the old
man.
The following day, his son tried to
ride one of the untamed horses, was thrown, and broke his leg. The
neighbours again came to offer their sympathy on his misfortune.
"May be," answered the
farmer.
The day after, military officials came
to the village to draft young men into the army. Seeing that the son's
leg was broken, they passed him by.
The neighbours congratulated the farmer
on how well things had turned out.
"May be," said the farmer.
