Alan Watts Quotes and speeches

the story of the chinese farmer

Alan Watts – The Story of the Chinese Farmer

Once upon a time there was a Chinese Alan Watts – The Story of the Chinese Farmer

Once upon a time there was a Chinese farmer whose horse ran away. All the neighbors came around to commemorate that evening, “So sorry that your horse has run away, that’s too bad.” and he said, “Maybe.”

The next day the horse came back, bringing seven wild horses with it. Everyone came around in the evening and said, “Oh isn’t that lucky, what a great turn of events, you’ve now got eight horses.” and he said, “Maybe.”

The next day his son tried to break one of the horses and ride it, but was thrown and ended up breaking his leg. They all said, “Oh dear that’s too bad.” and he said, “Maybe.”

The following day the conscription officers came around to recruit, or to force people into the army but they rejected his son because he had a broken leg.  All the people came around and said, “That’s great.” and he said, “Maybe.”