a chinese farmer lost his horse.
the neighbors reacted, "that's terrible!"
the farmer: "maybe"
next day, the horse came back with several others.
the neighbors: "that's wonderful!"
farmer: "maybe"
next day, the farmer's son tried to tame one of the
wild horses, fell off, and broke a leg
neighbors: "that's terrible!"
farmer: "maybe"
next day, the chinese army came through gathering men
for their army, but did not take the son due to his broken leg
neighbors: "that's wonderful!"
farmer: "maybe"