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This Chinese tale helps to put into perspective the difficulties of life.
This is the story of a Chinese peasant and his son.
One day, their only horse escaped. This horse was essential to their work. The villagers say, "Poor things, what are you going to do now?" But the father says, "Luck or misfortune, we don't know yet!"
A few days later, the horse returns and has attracted 7 wild horses. His neighbors tell him, "You're so lucky! You're rich now." But the father says, "Luck or bad luck, we don't know yet."
Some time later, the son broke his legs while training one of the horses. The father is too old to work alone, and so finds himself in a difficult situation. His neighbors feel sorry for him, but the father says, "Luck or misfortune, you never know."
War breaks out in the country, and all the young men in the village have to fight and risk their lives... except the son, who is wounded. The villagers tell him he's very lucky. But as usual, the father says: "Luck or misfortune, you never know".
When the war is over, all the young men of the village return. They're all rich from the spoils of war. All the villagers pity the father: "You're the poorest man in the village again. But once again, the father replies: "Luck or misfortune...".
Day 76 - My French notebook
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