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. "May be," the farmer replied. The next morning the horse returned, bringing with it three other wild horses. "How wonderful," the neighbors exclaimed. "May be," 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 on his misfortune. "May be," 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. "May be," said the farmer.
2006-08-30 14:34:13 · 5 answers · asked by tabularasa73 2 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
The old farmer views life from the whole. Not just the event. Nothing that happens is either good or bad luck as we do not know the results that may occur due to these events. That is why he'd always answer maybe.
2006-08-30 14:44:13 · answer #1 · answered by Mike Hunt 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Life is full of ups and downs, it's what you make of them that is important... The man saying "maybe" is not in any way being negative, it seems he is understanding that there are many ways of looking at things... Hope that helps
2006-08-30 21:42:22 · answer #2 · answered by crashmw19 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He knows the difference of random and personal accomplishment.....He is not in the here and now....He is too tired and old for it. He is content with nothing.
2006-08-30 22:20:41 · answer #3 · answered by Psyengine 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
each individual looks for meaning in their life and that it is best to remain detached from our thoughts and just accept life on its terms by experiening it as it unfolds.
2006-08-31 00:15:57 · answer #4 · answered by mochi.girl 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
your preception of good and bad things is faulty and you shouldn't judge things so the response "Maybe" is perfect in that it assumes nothing and also expects nothing.....
2006-08-31 01:10:33 · answer #5 · answered by justaname80 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋