The story of the Chinese farmer

The story of Sei Weng has its origins in the ancient Chinese essay collection Huainanzi (淮南子) in the early Han Dynasty, more than 2000 years ago.

Once upon a time, a farmer had a valuable horse run away.

“Bad News!” said the people.

“Good news, bad news, who knows?” replied the farmer.

Later, the horse returned to the farm with many wild horses accompanying it.

“Good News!” said the people.

“Good news, bad news, who knows?” replied the farmer.

Some time after that, the farmer’s son fell and broke his leg while trying to train one of the wild horses.

“Bad News!” said the people.

“Good news, bad news, who knows?” replied the farmer.

Soon after, the army came through town conscripting all able-bodied young men, and the farmer’s son was passed over.

“Good News!” said the people.

“Good news, bad news, who knows?” replied the farmer.

There are many interpretations of this story, but we quite like it because it teaches us that no events can be predetermined to be good or bad.