A calming fable on a beautiful Friday afternoon…
It’s a good perspective to keep, not just when thinking about the markets and economy, but also life and your career.
The Fable of The Old Farmer
There was an old farmer who used his horse to work the land everyday. One day his horse ran away.
The neighbors expressed sympathy saying, “Oh, that’s so sad. I’m so sorry. Such bad luck.”
To which the framer replied, “Maybe.”
A week later, the horse reappeared on the horizon with a friend by his side – a beautiful, strong wild stallion.
The neighbor again gathered around, this time in joy and exclaimed “How wonderful! That stallion will be worth a lot of money. What good luck!”
To which the farmer replied, “Maybe.”
A few days later, the farmer’s son was breaking the wild stallion. After a day-long battle, the horse finally won when it reared up, losing its balance and landed on the son’s leg, breaking it.
The neighbors came over in concern and shouted “Oh, how terrible! He’ll be bed-ridden for months! Such bad luck!”
To which the old farmer replied, “Maybe.”
A month later while the son was still recovering, military officers came to the village to draft young men for the army. Seeing the son’s broken leg, they passed him by without question.
After they had left, the neighbors congratulated the farmer. “Oh how wonderful! Getting drafted is a death sentence. Such good luck!”
To which the old farmer replied…
Have a great weekend, everyone!
