An Old Man at the Border Lost his Horse

An old man, living at the northern border of China, was well versed in the practices of Taoism. One day his horse went across the border into the northern tribes' territory and disappeared. Everyone showed sympathy for his lost horse. But to their surprise, the old man said calmly, "Who knows, it might be a blessing."
A few months later, the horse came back with another fine horse from the north. When congratulated, the old man was not pleased at all, but was concerned that it might cause some misfortune.
The old man was well off, and had lots of good horses. His son was fond of riding, and one day fell from a horse and broke his leg. People came to comfort the old man; but he wasn't sad. He stated that perhaps it might be a blessing instead. No one believed him, and everyone was surprised by his comment.
One year later, the northern tribes came across the border and started an invasion. All the young men, except the old man’s son, were enlisted to fight against the invaders. Consequently, nine out of ten of the young men died at the border. The old man’s son survived because he was crippled.    


Moral: Loss sometimes spells gain, and vice versa.   

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