This is Not the End of the Story

ETA: I wrote this before the destruction of American democracy. I stand by the message of this parable, though it may or may not happen in my lifetime. If you’re feeling angry, terrified, dumbfounded—your feelings are valid, and you’re not alone. This post is not intended to blame or shame any individual. Rather it’s a reminder that nothing stays the same for long.

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There’s a Taoist parable that I’ve been reflecting on:

A Chinese farmer’s horse runs away, and all his neighbors come by to say, “Oh, that’s terrible!”
The farmer simply replies, “Maybe.”

The next day, the horse returns, bringing with it seven wild horses. The neighbors come by to say, “Wow, that’s wonderful!”
Again, the farmer replies, “Maybe.”

The following day, the farmer’s son tries to ride one of the wild horses, but he’s thrown off and breaks his leg. The neighbors offer their sympathy, saying, “Oh, that’s terrible!”
The farmer replies, “Maybe.”

A few days later, the army comes through the village to conscript young men for war. Because the son’s leg is broken, they leave him behind. The neighbors exclaim, “That’s wonderful!”
And once again, the farmer replies, “Maybe.”

This is not the end of the story.