This ancient Chinese parable expresses the balance between good luck and bad luck or happiness and unhappiness. After hearing the story, we should reflect on our own reaction to events. Was it good luck or bad luck? We’ll see.
This story was recently made popular among children in an episode of Bluey called “The Sign.” The most famous version comes from Alan Watts whose recording you can watch or share with kids below.
I wrote this children’s version of the parable for you to share and discuss in class with kids. Read it aloud or download and print the story below.
The Farmer and His Horse
(or The Old Man of the Frontier Lost His Horse)
Once upon a time, an old farmer living on the frontier lost his horse.
His neighbors in the village said, “What bad luck!”
The old man replied, “Maybe. We’ll see.”
The next day, the horse returned with five more wild horses.
The neighbors came and said,” Wow! What good luck!”
The old man said, “Maybe. We’ll see.”
The next morning the old man’s son tried to ride one of the wild horses, but the horse threw him off, and the boy broke his leg.
The neighbors said again, “What bad luck!”
The old man replied, “Maybe. We’ll see.”
The next day, soldiers arrived to take young men off to war, but the old man’s son didn’t have to go because of his broken leg.
The neighbors said, “What good luck!”
And do you know what the old man said?
Reflection Questions
- Were each of these events good luck or bad luck?
- What are some of the bad events in your life that led to something good?
- Based on the story, how should you react to good or bad events?
Download and Print the Story of the Chinese Farmer
Download a printable PDF version of the story to share with kids:
Here is the popularized version of the story as told by Alan Watts:
