Thursday, April 23, 2020

New Take On Ancient Story

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 neighbors came to visit. “Such bad luck,” they said sympathetically.

“Maybe so, maybe not.  We shall see.” the farmer replied.

The next morning the horse returned, bringing with it three other wild horses. “How wonderful,” the neighbors exclaimed.  “Maybe so, maybe not.  We shall see.” replied the old man.

The following day, his son tried to ride one of the untamed horses, was thrown, and broke his leg. The neighbors again came to offer their sympathy for what they called his “misfortune.”  “Maybe so, maybe not.  We shall see.” 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 neighbors congratulated the farmer on how well things had turned out.  “Maybe so, maybe not.  We shall see.” said the farmer.
 - - -
Of course, today’s version would continue.  One day — about a month or two too late — the government announced a deadly disease called COVID-19.  Everyone at first said, “Quarantine or you’ll die!”  The old man replied, “Maybe so, maybe not.  We shall see.”
Then, after a few weeks, mobs of protesters screamed, “End the quarantine.  Open the economy. It’s the right thing to do!”  The farmer replied, “Maybe so, maybe not.  We shall see.”

The economy was opened up, people gathered and celebrated.  One morning neighbors knocked on the door of the old farmer and said, “The economy is open.  We can bring our crops to the market now.  We’re saved!”  And the old farmer replied . . .

Of course, he didn’t reply because he died a horrible death last night. 
Was it because of the opening of the economy?  “Maybe so, maybe not.  We shall see.”

Carpe diem Life,
David Kunn

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