My favorite fable

Great story. Haven't read it before. Still thinking about it. There is so much in it. Looking back in my life, there have been many things that I didn't like when they happened. Years later I was happy that they happened, because they helped me to become the person I'm now.

Greetings;

Peter

I actually read a version of this in a children's book ("Zen Shorts"): http://www.amazon.com/Zen-Shorts-Caldecott-Honor-Book/dp/0439339111

I'm not sure what to make of this story. Of course, you shouldn't let yourself be knocked down when something bad happens... but can't a guy enjoy his good fortunes? The man comes across as a little indifferent to me ;)

@ Jim:

Good things can happen, bad things can happen. The polarity is that the good is born out of the bad, the bad out of the good. When you can live, you will die. When you have, you can loose. When you don't have you can gain.

It is perfectly okay to enjoy the good times, but trying to keep them forever gets us in trouble with life itself.

That is why many spiritual and religious schools suggest to stay centered in the ups and downs of faith. Clinging to one side of the polarity seem to create the most suffering.

We'll see.

I love the song! The singing guru! Really nice.

I read this today as I was pondering the fate of a particular situation. Its funny how answers to our questions are delivered, if we remain open. . . we'll see.

Dig the palma on your song. (Thank you Larry for your definition of hand claps).

Great vocals in your song, Derek!

Thanks. Similar to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/This_too_shall_pass

ps: Consider installing http://txfx.net/code/wordpress/subscribe-to-comments/

Love the story, as well as the cool chord changes in the song. Great to hear your music again!

This great story is also used by David Foster Wallace in his piece on writing fiction, titled "The Nature of the Fun". This is recommended reading for any creative person: http://www.badgerinternet.com/~bobkat/naturefun.html

Curses and Blessings wear the same masks,fate's scale has an unpredictable balance.

I love how your song is sung with perfect tones of conviction.

Hey Derek,

Love this fable.. I think I first read it in a book called "The Way of the Peaceful Warrior" By Dan Millman.. Have you ever read it? I was at a very low point about 5 years ago, I read that book and it changed my life.


Oh yeah! I did read that. Maybe that's where I first heard it. Stuck with me ever since. Thanks for the reminder.

Derek,

I really wanted to hear the song but when I clicked on the link it didn't work for me. Is there another place I can go to hear it?

Good fable by the way.

nevermind. . .i couldn't wait so i found it here: sive.rs/music

Good to hear one of your own songs, I usually only read your marketing ideas.

Thank you for the download of this new tune of yours, Derek. I'm on my second listen as I write...Great story to base a song on. The hook of your melody is a perfect match for the concept... "we'll see" ...in your treatment..."still too soon to tell...." (very nice job with that.)

...your melody follows the mood of the words...(gently stepping down) Well, I will surely enjoy this tune again. Great post...I love multi-media in blogs! :)

I also heard of this story from Eckhart Tolle's a New Earth.

Derek - keep it up. I love what you're doing for indie artists.

I am dealing with something akin to the fable. My job is at an old building and i think its making me really sick. I am scared and dont know what will happen if i quit due to this problem. But who knows, it could be the best thing that ever happened to me. I trust in my destiny.

Nice melody and translation of the fable..but maybe it's still too soon...:-) I have always said that when things happen that seem bad, they happened for a reason. The part to remember is that you don't know when...but sooner or later, you will discover the reason for it! My quote that I tell everyone I want on the urn of my ashes is, "Sooner or later, the world will come around to my way of thinking". Obviously, a bit of humor on the fact that I don't know everything...or for that matter...anything! Take care Derek. You inspire me, because you inspire so many...

hey derek,

Never heard this one... like it... makes you stop and think. Which is good sometimes... my grandfather had some good stories. Should have remembered more of them, but long hair & impatience are part of youth... Keep up the good work. Mr. Music Dude. I read all your stuff and keeps my inspired.........dv

That fable is so helpful for remaining grounded in the ups and downs in life. It reminds me of another Zen fable I was told; I can only paraphrase it. In essence, an older man in a village was falsely accused by a young unmarried pregnant woman that he was the father of her child. He lost much of his business because of the scandal. When the woman had her child, she could not support the baby and demanded he raise it. The man said "Very well, so be it" and took the baby in. Three years later the man who was the real father of the child came back to the village and made up with the woman. They then demanded that the child be returned to them because he wasn't the biological father. The older man said "Very well, so be it" and gave custody back to the couple. It is hard for me to imagine myself having the open-mindedness to accept life events without argument such as this man did. What a role model, as is the farmer in your fable!

Reminds me my favorite:

"My barn having burned to the ground, I can now see the moon."

Damn, that song has a amazingly sick groove. Great guitar playing.

Kept me going from beginning to end.

A wise old master and several of his acolytes were meditating on the bank of a river when the bloodcurdling sound of a child screaming pierced the stillness. The old master opened his eyes, but did not move to rescue the drowning child. Just as the youngster stopped flailing and began to slip beneath the surface, one of the acolytes jumped into the river and pulled the child to safety. Unable to control his emotions, he yelled at the old master for doing nothing to save the drowning child. The old master calmly replied, “That child may grow up to be a genocidal tyrant. You may have the blood of millions on your hands.” “Yeah right, asshole,” replied the acolyte, “we’ll see. We’ll see.”

at least his neighbours cared enough to visit him...or was it the media?

Reminds me of Sam the Sham's "That's bad, No That's Good." Although a slightly wiser, more moral version. ;)

You have some inspiring words on your website. It's appreciated.

I heard this story, based on a true event, on the radio.

In the last days of WW II, a group of German soldiers were fleeing the Russians. They came on a bunch of abandoned bicycles. All of them, except one, got on the bicycles and rode away.

The one left behind couldn't ride a bicycle, and he didn't want to slow anyone down. It turned out his mother hadn't allowed him to learn how to ride a bike when he was a child. She was afraid he'd hurt himself. The soldier thought to himself, "Oh, great. Because my mother was afraid that I'd hurt myself, I'm going to get killed. I'll never survive alone."

But the soldiers who rode away were ambushed and they all died, and the soldier who was left behind was captured and survived the war.

I knew the story which is your best story.... I love the song you created with it... 'still too soon to tell'....can i have permission to use it during my workshops or talks? Love/ Elisabetta....u can search for me on Facebook..
Of course! Use it. Enjoy. Thanks! — Derek

Vamos ver

There was once a great tea master who serviced all that came to the kingdom. They were sought after for their grace, their dedication and service to others in the simple act of pouring tea. As it happened the tea master was requested to visit another kingdom, and being so obligated to their service, they went. Upon travelling the road between kingdoms the tea master was stopped by a warrior who when seeing the tea master said " Unless you can defeat me you shall not pass" Where upon the team master knowing they were not a warrior returned to their home unsettled, not because they were faced with an opponent, but because they could preform the service they had dedicated themselves to.
Seeking advice the tea master approached a local place of worship and sough out council on the matter where they was given to them the instruction that if in the art of tea you they were a master so should you be able to apply them to the sword.
The tea master reflecting on this began at once to study in the arts of the sword, the finery of combat, and the essence of war. Applying as they did all that was suggested that made them a master of tea.
There upon the tea master believing they had trained enough returned once again to the road and sure enough came to face the warrior who said as they had before.
" unless you can defeat me you shall not pass"
The tea master knowing they were going to be required to preform combat place their hand on the hilt of the sword and began to withdraw the razor sharp blade when they heard they warrior say " I see cannot defeat you" and let the tea master pass.

For in the battles of life it is not how we destroy our enemies but rather how we arm our being that shows what we will add or take from the cup of life we pour into the world around us.

This fable is a story of previous China.
塞翁失马,焉知非福。

Where's the 'like' button to your articles, Derek?
This one, everyone should be able to read.

Wow, this story just made my afternoon.. And the song made my month :) ! Thanks & keep up the good work :).

It's me again, with a question this time. Do you have a list of MP3 that are freely available to download ? I Really liked your song..When I googled for "filetype:mp3 site:sive.rs" it didn't returned any results. Thanks :)
sive.rs/music">sive.rs/music">sive.rs/music (it's linked from my ABOUT page) — Derek

Thanks :) !

Wow. We're brothers. This is one of my favorite stories to share. Looking forward to meeting you someday.

Bryan

great song Derek !
Thank you for this,
Good way to start my day.
Deep Thoughts.
Deb

I love this story too.

A wise friend of mine has his own version of "We'll see."

He frequently says, "Well, isn't that interesting..."

Thank you for the story and song - loved both. Julia

Great to hear a positive song with no pretensions. In this time of instant gratification that story takes the pressure off. Keep putting your personal effort into whatever you're drawn to do, then let go of it and see what happens. Inspiring stuff.

Derek,

You are Unbelievable! Many seek the wisdom, you seem to have mastered through simplicity... WOW!

Dear Derek,

A question came to my mind:

With an "we´ll see" attitude -
can that man ever be truly happy?

Your wife just said, that she loves you. And the response is the "we´ll see".

Kind regards,

Anders

gibt eine chinessiche geschichte mit der gleichen moral. wenn ich bloß wüßte wie der link heißt?!

Thats the attitude towards life which should have been tought in schhool...:)

As I recall, Anthony de Mello had a version I liked where the farmer's simple response each time was, "Who can say what is good and what is bad?"

Thanks for sharing, Derek.
Nice! I like that version. Thanks. — Derek

Great story, great song! Thanks!

I heard it way back, in a 12-Step meeting, and didnt know where it came from: So, big thanks to you, Derek and then Joe, I now have the Alan Watts version.

Some seem to think this tale has to do with indifference, but no! It's about unattachment - very different. I think of it as living in the eye of the paradox. As it were! Sort of thing.... :-)

とっても小さな村に、銀行屋さんの家族と石油屋さんの家族がすんでいました。

村には他にもいろんな仕事を生業にする人たちがいました。

銀行屋と石油屋さんとは、おじいさんの代まではその家族は仲良くやっていましたが、だんだんとお付き合いが無くなっていきました。

銀行屋さんの家族に６人の子供が生まれました。

６人兄弟の長男は小さい頃はとても優しくて思いやりがあったのだけれども、勉強が嫌いで、スポーツばかりしていました。

そしてとてもおせっかい者でした。

そんな彼の３つ年下の弟が白血病で死んでしまいました。

弟はとっても優しい子でした。

彼は弟が大好きでした。

そして、そんな大好きで優しい弟が死んだことが耐えられませんでした。

彼は教会に行っても、心から神様を敬うことはしなくなりました。

そして、かれのおせっかいは歳を追うごとに村でも目立つようになってきました。


そんなある日、彼は何をおもったか石油屋さんのお宅に突然おしかけました。

そして、こう言いました。

「お前のところの飯はまずい！俺の家の飯はうまい！だからお前もこの飯を食え！」

そして、こう言いました。

「お前のところの風呂は汚い！俺の家の風呂はきれい！だからお前もこの風呂を使え！」

そして、こうも言いました。

「お前のところのトイレは使いにくい！俺の家のトイレは使いやすい！だからお前もこのトイレを使え！」

そして、彼は銀行屋でお金がたくさんあったので、すべてのお金を出してあげて、石油屋さんの家を変えはじめました。

最初は、そのことに喜んでいた石油屋さんの家族ですが、日を追うごとに、自分たちには、やっぱり自分たちが今までやってきた生活が一番あっていると思うようになりました。

そして石油屋さんの家族はいいました。

「いままで、ありがとう。でも結構でございます。私たちのことは私たちで決めます。そのほうが私たちも、あなたたちも気分よく過ごせると思うのです。」

それを聞いた銀行屋さんの長男は、なぜだか素直にその話を聞いて石油屋さんの家を元通りになおしました。

そして、いま、小さな村では

みんなが笑顔で暮らしています。

その村に１人の禅僧が来て、こういいました。


「私が、この村を護るために皆さんに銃をあげましょう。」

「はい、どうぞ。」

「はい、どうぞ。」

「はい、どうぞ。」

「はい、どうぞ。」

This is your RIFLE.

This is your RIFLE.

This is your RIFLE.

This is your RIFLE.



But the BULLETS is LOVE.

「花になった龍」

むかし、むかしのお話です。
海の近くにとても立派な、お寺がありました。
そのお寺の和尚さまは、たいそう徳の高いお方で、村のお爺さんやお婆さんから幼い子供達にいたるまで、みんなに慕われておりました。

その頃、一匹の龍がおりました。

その龍は大変な暴れもので、この世の中を憎んでおりました。そしてあちこちで悪さをしていたのです。
和尚さまのうわさを聞いた龍は

「よし、俺がそいつを喰ってやろう」
と、お寺の空から和尚さまの命を狙っておりました。

まさに龍が和尚さまに向かって喰らいつこうとしたその瞬間、お寺のご本尊である観音様が現れて、龍に雷を落としたのです。

龍はそのままお寺の本堂の前に身体を叩きつけられました。
傷ついた龍は、動くことができず、心の中は
「なぜだ！なぜ俺をこんな目にあわすのだ！」不満と怒りで煮えくり返っておりました。

そんな龍ですが、毎朝お寺の本堂から聞こえてくる和尚さまのお経の声を聞く時だけは何故だか心が安らいだのです。

お寺には和尚さまを慕って、お参りにくる人たちがたくさんおりました。

龍は、その時だけは梅の木の姿になりました。

なぜなら龍は和尚さま以外の人間に姿を見られると、たちまち死んでしまうからです。

お参りにくる人たちは

「なんと立派な梅の木でしょう！」と褒めたたえました。
そしてある時は、お婆さんから、きれいなお水をかけてもらい、ある時はお爺さんから虫よけの薬をかけてもらいました。
とくにお婆さんは毎日のように水をかけてくれたのです。

日を増すごとに龍の心はしだいに憎しみから安らぎへとかわってゆきました。

そして、ある日の晩
お寺の和尚さまが龍に話しかけました。


「龍よ。ありがとう。そなたがここに居てくれるおかげでお参りの人たちはたいそう喜んでおられる。これから私は、そなたに教えを説こう。」と言いました。
つづけて
「龍よ、そなたの心がくじけそうになったらこの呪文を唱えるがよい。『アヌッタラサミャクサンボーディ』これは仏様のお悟りである。」

龍は呪文を唱えました。

すると龍はこの世が、ただ、そのまま、あるがままでよいことを知ったのです。

それからしばらくして、龍は自分に毎日のように、お水をかけてくれるお婆さんが不治の病であると知りました。

龍は悲しくて悲しくてしかたありませんでした。
そして、自分が何もしてあげられないことに苦しみました。

その日の晩
お寺の和尚さまが再び龍に話しかけました。
「龍よ、そなたが、困っている人を思う時、何とかしてあげたいけれども何もしてやれぬ自分の無力さを思うときこの呪文を唱えるがよい。『ガテー・ガテー・パラガテー・パラサンガテー・ボディスバハー』これは諸々の生きとし生けるものを仏のお悟りに至らしめんとする言葉である。」

龍は呪文を唱えました。
すると龍の心は、思いやりの心で満たされました。


それからしばらくたった、ある日、お婆さんが、いつものように梅の木に水をかけておると、なんと梅の木に花が咲いたのです。

龍にもう迷いはありませんでした。

龍は自分の姿を、お婆さんに見せてこういいました。

「ありがとう。」

お婆さんはニッコリ微笑んでこういいました。

「こちらこそ、ありがとう。」

龍はそれから、ふたたび龍の姿に戻ることはありませんでした。

それから何百年たったある日、ひとりの女性が梅の木に触れて歌を詠みました。

「龍伏して　法の教えを聞くほどに　梅花開く身となりにけり」

与謝野晶子

「Happiness」
Unhappiness is an element of happiness.

To tell the truth, happiness is an element of unhappiness. however
It thinks there.

It is said today the day when the Buddha took enlightenment.
Everybody also escapes from the circle of unhappiness and happiness.

It awakes true absolute and happily.

Myoushin Syoudou Masamichi Takigawa.

I am a hotelkeeper.
The hotel name is a Nirvana.
Everything is my customer.
Homeless Kings Queens Ghosts Flowering plants Animals Stones Water and so on.
I will provide the always highest service.
Anytime you are welcome to my Hotel.
I live in brilliant world .
You live in brilliant world.
We live in brilliant world.
I hope this world will be as one.
Brilliant says: You are wonderful.
Everyone is wonderful.
Even if it is not dexterousShape bad .
Even if it is not dexterous .
The rising desire is not stopped.
Brilliant says: I want you to remember in the so much.
I secure .
You are absolutely wonderful.
An event dying painful is the maximum master.
If you think it is uneasy.
I want you to step forward the one step first of all.
All unpleasant feelingsI want you to trample it down.
You only are you and exist wherever it is.
I secure.

there is a chinese saying for this

赛翁失马 焉知非福
sài wēng shī mǎ，yān zhī fēi fú

I like the way you see life.
Follow your self it could be the best we to be you self
The rest it's practice
Have a nice happy life!

Very nice ... I think you would like the story I call ... "For want of a Nail" ... Sorry for no reference, as I have yet to look it up. The story was told to a kid in a movie "Tokyo Drift"

Godspeed !

This is an old Chinese fable that kids in Korea learn at school as the background legend of the 4-syllable adage that the general people often quote in everyday life. It is "塞翁之馬" (if readable) literally meaning "An old man living in a frontier." Kids learn the background story behind this almost titular 4-letter adage and the grownups quote it when needed.

Nice fable, Derek! Reminds me of a wonderful quote attributed to Zhou Enlai (Chinese foreign minister under Mao). When asked for his view on the impact of the French Revolution, he supposedly thought for a moment then replied "Too soon to tell".

It's from a Chinese proverb: 塞翁失马，焉知非福。 What it generally translates to is: a setback may not necessarily be disastrous and could have a silver lining while a good fortune may not necessarily be all-benefitting.

I read this proverb translated a different way. Instead of "We'll see," the man said, "Who is to say whether it's good or bad." I think the lon

It's one of my favorites, and I recall it often in times of good fortune or hardship. Our myopic view of any event makes it difficult to understand what is ultimately good or bad. Apparent misfortune is not always what it appears to be.

I love the fable and your song Derek! Thank you!

this fable is from China IN Chinese: 塞翁失马，焉知非福～

I believe you are right about this fable being told, with different variations, for probably a thousand years or more.

In fact, I think it spawned the phrase: "There is no good or evil, but thought makes it so."

...perhaps only the Elders of Tralfamadore know for sure. :)

Btw Derek, does that mean that Peter Blue is your "First Follower"?

Way to go Peter!

Awesome story, Thanks for sharing.

ha! came over from the homepage, where you said it was your favorite fable--knew it!! it's my favorite too. Served me well in keeping myself grounded. good stuff.

This is my favorite fable too...COOL! *smile*

I first read it in a book about Buddhism, in the chapter about Buddhist philosophies, one of which is never to judge anything as "bad" or "good" too quickly. Doing this requires you to respond to everything around you equally with BOTH your heart AND your mind. Many of us learn this as we age, but often begin, as toddlers, reflexively responding out of pure emotions of joy, anger, sadness, etc..

Nice read, good for motivating people in distress.

This is a really old fable, emphasizes what was considered in the old traditions (Zen, Hindu...) as one of the chief goals of a person: maintaining equanimity.

Feedback loops! can't live with them, can't live without them. :)

L.S.

As far as i know this story originates from Jodhpur / Rajasthan / India. The Dutch filmmaker Sander Francken directed 3 musical feature films "Bardsongs". At the basis of these films are three folk tales from respectively Rajasthan, Western Africa and Ladakh, put to music by musical celebrities from those regions and interpreted by local actors who knew these tales from their youth. The film focuses on the similarities between three totally different worlds.
Part one of BARDSONGS "The Plastic Collector" tells the story of a father and his son. On a daily basis they collect waste plastic in the streets of an old Indian city. The father distinguishes himself from other people by never judging occurrences around him – however much fate temps him to. His posture meets with a lot of incomprehension and annoyance by people around him. When a dramatic occurrence reveals its true significance after some time, the wisdom of the plastic collector is unveiled for everyone. The original story is about a garbage collector but this was turned into plastic collector on advice of Sakar Kahn & Family, the famous Rajasthani singers and instrument players that you can see and hear in this beautiful film. Unfortunately the subtitles are Dutch
With kind regards,

Erik.

L.S.

Hereby the link to "The Plastic Collector".
http://player.omroep.nl/?aflID=12258056

With kind regards,

Erik.

The story gives us a lesson...We should all have trust in God as what he does he does with a reason.

Joe Crookston did the same:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYCpeiDaviY

Here is another song version of this story

http://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=10177728

Good Luck, Bad Luck

A farmer had an old horse; an old horse to till his fields
But one day, that old horse escaped and ran to the hills
While the neighbors thought this was very bad luck
The farmer only replied

Chorus
Good luck, bad luck
Who is that wise?
Could misfortune be good and good fortune be bad; just in disguise?
Who is that wise to know?
Who is that wise to know?

After a week that old horse returned the neighbors excited and thrilled
For he brought with him a herd of wild horses down from the hills
While the neighbors thought this was very good luck
The farmer only replied

chorus

The farmer's son was doing his best to tame one wild horse
He fell off its back and hit the ground hard; his leg broke from the force
While everyone thought this was very bad luck
The farmer only replied

chorus

Later the army marched into the village and took all the young men away
But the farmer's son with his broken leg was allowed to stay
So what, what would you say?
What, what would you say?

chorus

wow, great song. your voice makes me think of Simply Red, but it's way less artificial, at least to my ear. thanks for sharing both the story and the music!

there is only our perspective, as i taught my kids, life is to experiance, so go out and live it. good or bad are only our judgements.
let go and be free.

Fascinating fable. I didn't know what to think of it immediately after I read it and I still have to admit, I am still thinking about its meaning.

thank you, you are an inspiration. Ma first time hearing this fable was when i was ten during ma weekend Chinese school told by my principal. This fable always come to ma mind whenever there are changes in ma life. Thank you again for leading by example.

Thanks Derek,

I'm looking forward to sharing this with my kids tonight when I get home.

Great perspective.

I like the concept that nothing is ever bad (or good?) as it seems.

Thanks Derek.
There is a lot to learn from the story - Everything happens with good and bad, passage of time proves it.

a good reminder to "see"

after hearing this story in Charlie Wilson's War, i'm reading this here.. but a story that has stayed with me in my tough times.. very useful in application..

very nice and teachful story even when there is no end to it , it explains a lot of things that happen or not...never regret anything you do (except crimes xD)...

Great story. Wave theory. The tide comes in, and the tide goes out, only to come in and go out again and again

.. and then he died. the neighbours came at the funeral, lamented his death, and cried, and said: surely he went to heaven! but his tombstone said: we'll see.

as he came to heaven, he did saw Peter. he said "Hi Peter", so heaven exists after all! Peter looked away and said: we'll see.

moral of the story: there's no joy in life.
unless we see.

as a matter of personal interest...

you are a writer, while I was raised by the machines, and coming from my nitpicking but supposedly ultimately correct angle, one shouldn't put the final . (dot) of a sentence within the quote as in he said "bless you."

the way of the machine would be "bless you".
not "bless you."
for the dot is NOT a part of the quote.

do you think your way is more human?
what makes you do it?
do you find it prettier?

I see it everywhere, but I also see folks that put a space before the comma, and think that Word is a typewriter with a proofreading screen.

sometimes people just repeat mistakes. but you're not one of them, so.. please enlighten me :)

I have always loved that story. Thanks. It comes at a great time. I was just fired from my J.O.B. I have my wife and 4 little ones depending on me. . . and I am at a crossroads.
I have to admit -- you're the man. I would LOVE to be in your place from a career & financial standpoint. . . Yess. . . I would be willing to pay the price. I just want to know how. . . I will continue my pursuit. When I find the right path, my open mind will be like an open mouth. I will bite down and swallow all I can! Peace. Mark . . . any insights, suggestions, or references would be welcomed.

This is a old Chinese fable. Its Chinese name is "塞翁失马，焉知非福".

Man, there's some smoking bass on that song!
Thanks! — Derek

really good feel to your song thanks .... great to see you posting again..... always food for thought.

Song is Cool,
Lyrics has fuel,
Singer Derek :) sings good in Module,
This song motivated me to car-pool.

Thanks Derek,
Adil Nemat

Derek,

You and all the comments from the many people...the only thing I can say is there's a lot of really smart people!! very exilerating

My only contribution... try to be prepared.
Thank you very much

Hello Derek. your one of the good guys and you have my respect-so here's a hard one. How do you live and deal with a world that allowed -AUSCHWITZ and all the shit pain- suffering and the dignitys that any human should have, being dedrgated? best, Mort Weiss
We'll see.... — Derek

Love the story and the song!

Very cool story.

"Better is the end afterward of a matter than its beginning. Better is one who is patient than one who is haughty in spirit" -- Ecclesiastes 7:8

Everything that happens to you in life, is for your benefit, whether you realize it at the time or not.

Peace

It is definitely true. Terrible things happened in my life before I came to America from small eastern European country. And I came because I wanted to escape. Otherwise, I certainly wouldn't. Now, I consider coming here as a best move I have ever done in my life. Good or bad? I don't know exactly, but I will just say - Fantastic! I am an optimist!

This is one of your best stories Derek... :)

It's a great fable, I learned it from Chinese high school text book, exactly the same story. It was picked from the book of "Huai Nan Zi Ren Jian Xun" written by An Liu (BC 179-122 ).

Now I know that there might be other versions of this story, and this story could aged longer than I would thought.

It's a great fable, I like it very well. Thanks for sharing this English version.

Joseph Lin

中国有句谚语：塞翁失马，焉知非福。
讲的就是这个道理

Does Divine Providence mean anything to you?

I couldn't help but laugh, I probably shouldn't just thought it was funny that the man would accept anything good or bad. I could see this being used for positives though. Everything happens for a reason, you just have to see it in a positive light.

I did read this story long back somewhere else, it reminds me of a line by the modern india sage ` aurobindo ghosh,
WHATEVER HAPPENS IN THIS WORLD IS PART OF THE ESSENTIAL PROCESS OF YOGA
and another saying NOTHING REMAINS - NIETHER GOOD NOR BAD. this too is wovened in other story of king akbar and birbal in india

I guess what I got out of that fable was never feed into what people say is good news or bad news. Today I left my keys and purse at home while going to work at my part time job. The keys needed to open the door at the job. My job is thirty minutes away. I spent and extra hour getting to and from work before starting an 1 1/2 cleaning job. It was not easy since I do not like my part time job. I prayed first then I thought of two guys I work with that are positive people. Then I went down the list of why this isn't so bad. When I started working I got so involved in the job next thing I knew I was locking the door. While driving home, listening on the radio to country music, I decided to go to my mom's house for some cake to eat with my milk. (smile) Now, I feel okay because I can work on some music.

Thanks Derek.

This fable has a similar meaning as the apocryphal story of Solon and Croesus which has really stuck with me since I fires heard the story in Fooled by Randomness—a book in my top ten list.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Croesus_and_Fate

Great fable and the first time I have heard the music of the man that ultimately led to the CD Baby revolution.

Is the fable useful or not?
We'll see...
Did you learn something from it?
We'll see...
Can you make use of it?
We'll see...

When?

The End.

Funny, this is MY fable :)
Well, I just landed on your webpage and guess what: I am a minimalist entrepreneur (father boudhist, kinda help) and you just quoted my fable ...

Faith? Thanks Richard Lucas for sharing this link :)

hooray,
it's a Chinese old fable

塞翁失马，焉知非福
I'm Chinese~~~
btw, I don't think there are Chinese doctors who get rich when you are healthy but not sick.

Is the fable useful or not?
We'll see...
Did you learn something from it?
We'll see...
Can you make use of it?
We'll see...

When?

The End.

hhhhhhhhhaaaaa

I love this fable too. It's for people that have been through a lot of crap and have survived. It's for people that know that even if they have it "all", they should not close themselves off, wall themselves in a castle, rather put it all on the table again. It's for people that know never to be too happy when you succeed or too sad when you fail. It's for people that love living for the sake of living...

Another one I refer to often is - google "wear sunscreen commencement speech". "Sometimes you’re ahead, sometimes you’re behind, the race is long, and in the end, it’s only with yourself." So much wisdom in that single line.

this is from a chinese idiom. chinese kids learn it from grammer school. chinese idiom sometimes comes from true historical event. this wiki has some proof.
http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/%E5%A1%9E%E7%BF%81%E5%A4%B1%E9%A6%AC%EF%BC%8C%E7%84%89%E7%9F%A5%E9%9D%9E%E7%A6%8F

Derek,
Really fun listening to your song. I liked how you turned "We'll see" into "It's Still Too Soon To Tell" I also loved "Nothing here is heaven, nothing here is hell"
Thanks so much for sharing.

That fable really hits home. The reason you don't cry over spilt milk because it was maybe soured, and would have made you sick!

For every door he closes...he opens another. It is up to you if you walk through that next door.

Life comes at you fast and you are not always going to duck and get out of it's way. Positive things happen to positive people. Stand up and embrace all of your blessings...and they will multiply!

Hello,

I just saw your three talks to TED and found them very inspiring. I obviously won't say what's my goal in life (^^), but your talks kind of led me onto the (one of the) path(s) to achieve it someday...
And as I came onto this website, first thing I clicked was this fable. And as soon as I read the first line I knew which one it was, and I remember I read it when I was 12 or something like that, and kept thinking about it one entire week, and telling it to everybody...
Well, in a nutshell, thanks for your inspiration and for communicating your ideas, and thanks for having a different point of view from most of people !
You may not have changed my life yet, but who knows, at least you changed my day !
Have a pleasant evening.

Florence, 23, France

Hello,

I just saw your three talks to TED and found them very inspiring. I obviously won't say what's my goal in life (^^), but your talks kind of led me onto the (one of the) path(s) to achieve it someday...
And as I came onto this website, first thing I clicked was this fable. And as soon as I read the first line I knew which one it was, and I remember I read it when I was 12 or something like that, and kept thinking about it one entire week, and telling it to everybody...
Well, in a nutshell, thanks for your inspiration and for communicating your ideas, and thanks for having a different point of view from most of people !
You may not have changed my life yet, but who knows, at least you changed my day !
Have a pleasant evening.

Florence, 23, France

Very well said. My Dad used to say "peaks and valleys, son, peaks and valleys" whenever something very good or very bad would happen in our lives.

I like that fable,but i cann't understand why is your favorite one?

No offense, but if you believe in the faith - "We'll see" - God will provide !

That's a good one. The one that has always stayed with me:

A poor man who lives with huge family in a small hut. The noise and fighting is driving him crazy so he goes to the rabbi.

The rabbi asks if he has any animals and the man says, "Yes, some chickens, geese and ducks."

"Bring them into the hut with you." The man is shocked and confused, but trusts in the wise rabbi and does what he says. With the chickens, geese and ducks in the small hut the noise only gets worse until the man has to go back to the rabbi.

"Rabbi, I can't stand the noise! It's too much."

"Do you have any other animals?"

"I have a goat."

"Bring the goat into your home." Again the man is confused, but he does as the rabbi instructs. Again the noise gets worse and the man returns to the rabbi and complains.

"Rabbi, why did you tell me to bring the goat into my house? The noise is even worse than before!"

"Do you have a cow?" the rabbi asks. Exhausted and frustrated, the man replies yes. Again the rabbi tells him to bring the animal into his home and again the poor man complies.

Time passes and the small hut is even more crowded and noisy than ever and finally the man goes back to the rabbi.

"Rabbi, I'm going crazy. There's no room and the noise is out of control!"

"Put the animals back outside." The rabbi doesn't have to tell the man twice. He rushes home and puts the animals back into the yard. That night the man and his family have the most perfect night of rest. The next day he rushes to tell the rabbi.

"Rabbi," the man says, "I slept so well last night. I finally had some peace and quiet."

"Just remember," the rabbi replied, "When you think you have things bad, it could always be worse."

Obviously there may come a time when it can't get any worse, and I am so very grateful I've never reached that abyss. But for the most part, this story offers very wise advice. Keeps me going, at any rate.

...

That's a great, great fable.

That’s a great fable. I recognize it from one of the zen proverbs. It might be in Zen Flesh Zen Bones, a collection of Zen stories. Anyway, thanks for sharing, I'd love to hear the song.

Love this fable. What I've learned from it is there are many perspectives, everything is a gift, even not knowing it is a gift is a gift.

This is my favorite reading; since I found this great post I keep coming back to read it again and again; of course there are many more good updates that I enjoy reading. Thanks

Thought provoking fable Derek..

I'll share my favourite with you:


The Boy and the Starfish

A man was walking along a deserted beach at sunset. As he walked he could see a young boy in the distance, as he drew nearer he noticed that the boy kept bending down, picking something up and throwing it into the water.

Time and again he kept hurling things into the ocean.

As the man approached even closer, he was able to see that the boy was picking up starfish that had been washed up on the beach and, one at a time he was throwing them back into the water.

The man asked the boy what he was doing, and the boy replied,"I am throwing these Starfish back into the ocean, or else they will die .."

"But", said the man, "You can't possibly save them all, there are thousands on this beach, and this must be happening on hundreds of beaches all along the coast. You can't possibly make a difference."


The boy looked down, thought for a moment; then bent down to pick up another starfish, and, smiling as he threw it back into the sea.

He replied, "To this Starfish.. this makes all the difference in the world.."

:)

Derek,

I just read your article, 'It's all about who you know?' on Music Clout, which in return led me to your site, and this fable. All I can say is: "Wow"

I recently made a personal mistake affecting my family, and I resigned from full time ministry in order to minister to my family first. I am promptly adopting the 'we'll see' attitude. This could turn out bad, but I'll believe in faith it will turn out great!

Good luck with the new company you're starting in Singapore. As an entrepreneur filled with ideas but still chasing the networking opportunities to see them become reality, I applaud people reaching success with humility like you did!

Best wishes, and hopefully we'll connect one day through a mutual friend.

Lewies

It is an interesting talk made to be considered.

I tell my students this fable all the time

My favorite fable:

The American investment banker was at the pier of a
small coastal Mexican village when a small boat with
just one fisherman docked.

Inside the small boat were several large yellow fin tuna.
The American complimented the Mexican on the quality
of his fish and asked how long it took to catch them.

The Mexican replied, "Only a little while."

The American then asked, "Why didn't you stay out longer
and catch more fish?"

The Mexican said, "With this I have more than enough to support my family's needs."

The American then asked, "But what do you do with the rest of your time?"

The Mexican fisherman said, "I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, take siesta with my wife, Maria, stroll into the village each evening where I sip wine and play guitar with my amigos, I have a full and busy life."

The American scoffed, "I am a Harvard MBA and could help you. You should spend more time fishing; and with the proceeds, buy a bigger boat: With the proceeds from the bigger boat you could buy several boats. Eventually you would have a fleet of fishing boats. Instead of selling your catch to a middleman you would sell directly to the processor; eventually opening your own cannery. You would control the product, processing and distribution. You would need to leave this small coastal fishing village and move to Mexico City, then Los Angeles and eventually New York where you will run your ever-expanding enterprise."

The Mexican fisherman asked, "But, how long will this all take?"

To which the American replied, "15 to 20 years."

"But what then?" asked the Mexican.

The American laughed and said that's the best part. "When the time is right you would announce an IPO and sell your company stock to the public and become very rich, you would make millions."

"Millions?...Then what?"

The American said, "Then you would retire. Move to a small coastal fishing village where you would sleep late, fish a little, play with your kids, take siesta with your wife, stroll to the village in the evenings where you could sip wine and play your guitar with your amigos."

Dear Derek,
The fable is precious, as is the dizzying adventure of life. My wife and I run a small mom-and-pop storefront theatre in Chicago. I first heard your name yesterday when I received an email from the Miracle Noodle folks thanking me for my first order with them. As you probably know, they send out an absolutely dazzling and creative thank you note, and at the end of their email, they credit you for inspiring it. So we immediately googled you and found out about your accomplishments and philosophy of life. You are clearly a unique Renaissance man. I'll be exploring more of your work and ideas, but in the meantime, I'm going to write a confirmation email along the lines of the one I received, in the hope that it will generate as much delight within our own customers as the Miracle Noodle folks' note did to me. I will joyously credit both them and you. Thank you for making my day, and for giving us a genuinely unique and wonderful idea. I've never seen anything remotely like it. If you are ever in Chicago, you will be welcome as our guest for a show.
Michael

Good story and good song created from it. There is nothing so astonishing as creativity. It always takes us by surprise. "Now where did that come from?", the humble reflect, while the proud declare, "I've done it again!" I think of you among the former.

Love it and the sentiments of what it stands for are timeless.

Nice production touches in the song you shared with us here, Derek! You have some talents, my friend.. You wear your many hats well---

Never let your high's get to high or your lows get to low. We all need to key this top of mind.

Great fable.

if i had a penny every time i agreed with something great i have read or seen .it would be time well invested .

great love it.

What a great fable. The moral I pull out of this is perhaps the same one I learned as a westerner who partially grew up in Asia.

Thanks for always making me think Derek!

This is an oldie but still applies

I love this. So few people adopt the proper attitude to happenstance and live as if they're certain that when they get that new couch - or sell the old one - a certain set of results will ensue. As some insight from physics suggests, wave function probabilities are so intertwined that predicting values for a spot in the future only generates error, since the analysis never includes the elements that will be added to the system in the interim. And yet people insist on being able to project their own clumpy reality. And build elaborate justifications to defend their errors.

Hi Derek!

Just stumbled on your video "Weird or Just Different" posted at Stanford Creativity Crash Course and found out more about your work, which is a gold mine for reframing ideas & concepts !

As learning addicted, I will surely keep "training my eyes" to look at things from another perspective!

Great lessons!
Many thanks :)
Cecilia

Take a walk through the corridors of cancer and one should fully appreciate this fable. My wife fell to Master C back in 2008 around the same time the economy went south. TV screens bellowing alarms in waiting rooms and doctors offices, hospitals, testing stations, CAT scans and MRI's, PET scans and pin pricks, tourniquets and—hellos followed by, "you'll be fine, take care now" Wall Street is digging a ditch, numbers are scraping rock bottom, CNN is masturbating over tragedy and the talking heads have all now become the, 'be all and end all' with a supreme understanding of all things economy and what great fear lay ahead. What they didn't know was the success of my wife's surgery, and how she would pull through, albeit a long and nasty trip of continued testing and a science lab of medications coursing through her innocent playfull blood. Sitting in cancer waiting rooms will quickly change your perspective on life especially when your sitting there with someone of whom you love, and, who is doing exceptionally well, opposite both men and women of whom you know are in a very bad shape and will undoubtedly succumb to the effects of this disease. We too, watched our numbers dwindle and slide all up and down the DOW pole of power, but surprisingly enough, it just didn't matter, I simply could not invest the strain and anxiety into something that ultimately, I had no control over nor could I find the love, a love deep enough that would pin me down daily in tears of loss over a dip in stocks and bonds. My love stayed focused where it was needed most, in the arms of a beautiful human being that just needing to be held and told that we will get through this together. And, we did, and she is now well again and it had nothing to do with our recent upward climb on Wall Street!

A wondrous fable Derek, laced with a blueprint of life, life lived within an atmosphere of calm, if you want it!

That's a Chinese ancient story. Good one. Very inspired by your ted talk. Yeah, 30 day challenge here I come.

Well,it's a wide-spreading story and both originated in China.

The old man called"塞翁"(approximately sounded like:Sci-weng) because of he's an "old man"(the meaning of "翁")and lived in "frontier fortress"(the meaning of "塞",and that's the reason why his son should be on the list).

The story's name is "塞翁失马"(As a poor "word to word" translation is"An old man lived in frontier fortress who lost his horse.").Come from the book.

You guys can get more information from the Wiki href:
http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/%E5%A1%9E%E7%BF%81%E5%A4%B1%E9%A6%AC%EF%BC%8C%E7%84%89%E7%9F%A5%E9%9D%9E%E7%A6%8F
Thank you! — Derek

So the moral of the story is: never be happy or sad, all is chaos.

:)

Heard this story before. Going with the flow will always work for some - stastics require it - but not for most. Richest people i know made it happen not let it happen. Just couse 1 in a million wins the lottary does not mean its a viable strategy for all.

Tell this story to the kids dying of hunger in africa.

There is a saying in Germany: you should not praise the day, before evening! The farmer paid heed.

This clearly depicts a mindset that I find difficult to explain to others. I now have a story to share next time I'm asked why I never seem to care about an outcome.

This is my favorite fable too, and when I first encountered it in a philosophy class, I saw right away that the horse would run off when it caught the scent of the other horses. That is just the nature of horses. Being reliable, trustworthy horses. Being what they are.

I was drawn to & studied yogic inquiry when I was looking for a way through an illness. I just don't see difficult events as dead ends. An illness is a call to pay attention, shift gears, really listen to one's symptoms. I found some surprisingly simple answers when I refused to jump to the half-baked conclusions of doctors who basically do assembly-line drug dispensing, giving pills for hiding symptoms.

I found that my illness did have a reason for arising, and I am living differently in light of what I learned.
And I am healthier than ever.

For me, the fable is about the power of our open-mindedness, the power of reserving our judgement so we can see with fresh, awake consciousness, and not assume we see....when we don't.

The fable was inline with a quote I heard today about death, taxes and change. whereas, you can be sure of all three. So, no matter what comes along in life the three amigos will be left standing... We'll see....

I really love this fable. Could you allow me to translate to Spanish and post at Eriginal Books blog.
Thanks,
Marlene
It's an ancient fable. You're free to translate it or do whatever you want with it. — Derek

Dear Derek
私は30年間禅僧をしていてミュージシャンの経験もあり現在は思うところあってイスラム教徒です。東洋思想は大好きです。Derekさんが東洋思想に共感してくれることを大変喜ばしく思っています。
私には荘子の混沌王の話が興味深いです。

南海之帝為儵
北海之帝為忽
中央之帝為渾
儵与忽時相与遇
於渾沌之地
渾沌待之甚善
儵与忽
謀報渾沌之徳
曰
人皆有七竅
以視聴食息
此独無有
嘗試穿之鑿
日鑿一竅
七日而渾沌死

南海の帝の儵と北海の帝の忽のあいだ中央の地に混沌という帝がいた。
儵と忽は時折、混沌の地にて会い混沌に良い待遇を受けていた。
儵と忽は混沌の善意に報いようと思い

いわく

「人にはみな７つの穴がある、それによって見たり聞いたり食べたり息をしたりしている。ここにひとり混沌だけその穴がない。試しに穴を開けてあげようではないか」

二人の帝は一日に一穴づつ混沌に穴を開けていった

七日後、混沌は死んだ。

攻殻機動隊STAND ALONE COMPLEXで少佐がテロリストに対して

「社会に不満があるなら自分を変えろ それが嫌なら耳と目を閉じ口を噤んで孤独に暮らせ・・・」と言う

シリーズのテーマである笑い男事件の犯人は

「僕は耳と目を閉じ口を噤んだ人間になろうと考えたんだ」
I thought what I'd do was, I'd pretend I was one of those deaf-mutes

その後

「だがならざるべきか」
or shoud I ?

と言う

「混沌」と言う言葉は荘子の混沌王の話から由来しているが、東洋的思想に則れば、物事を整理したり分別したりせずそのままであることが道なのである。

これに情報という知識を与え分別する判断力を授けることによって人は道から離れてゆくというのが東洋思想であるといえる。

ひとたび言葉にした瞬間、それは既に真実を離れている。

人間として社会生活を営む以上、混沌王として生きることは難しい。我々は様々な情報によって判断し行動している。
そして近年その情報量の多さはインターネットの出現により人類がかつて経験したことのない領域に達していると言えるだろう。

混沌王は7つの穴を開けられたことによって死んだ。
我々は日々、膨大な量の穴を開けられつづけているといえないか？
我々の先に待ち受けている未来は混沌王と同じ結末なのであろうか？

この状況を考えると
「僕は耳と目を閉じ口を噤んだ人間になろうと考えたんだ」
と思う人達が出てきても何ら不思議ではない。

人は生まれてきた時点で受、想、行、識という分別を持ち既に道から外れるようにプログラムされているのである。

しかし、と同時に人は道に帰ろうとする性質も持つのである。

個人的には、やれるだけやってみるしかないと思ってる。
進むところまで精一杯すすんでみて後の判断は大いなるものに委ねればいい。

善悪の判断はもはや人類が判断できる範疇を超えてしまっている時代に突入していると言ってもいいだろう。

そういった意味で人類は「自分が無宗教である」とどんなに抗おうが神を感ぜずにはいられない時代を迎えるやも知れぬ。

This is how I live my life.... - From the bad, good things will always come ----

Thanks for sharing the story !

Robbie

This is so fable, maybe even just a parable, that an INTJ (like myself to) would enjoy.
Thanks

Hehe, I love this story. It has some Taoist flavoring to it. There is no good or bad, just change. What may be good now, may be bad later, what may be bad now, is good later. Yin/Yang, Yin within Yang, Yang within Yin. Very neat! Its interesting how the answer- maybe- is usually the most accurate. we rarely have any idea if an event will be good or bad. Equanimity can help us to see possibilities and ride the waves of life. Its a great story. Thanks for sharing!

Peace

Japanese also have it as a proverb (諺)

人間万事塞翁が馬　(ningenbanjisayougauma). Nice song by the way.

All the best!

Tony

You’re Welcome. And I’m Sorry.

I finished teaching one of my yoga class sessions last week. As my small but dedicated group of students hugged and bestowed me with their appreciations upon leaving, i was, as usual, attempting to find some closing bit of motivational insight to share, some profoundly wise – or at least something adorably memorable to say in response. But, as the moments and smiles drifted by, i heard only two phrases echo in my head (neither or those wise or profound and definitely not adorable):

“You’re welcome. And i’m sorry.”

For days now, i’m trying to decipher this rather familiar, albeit internal, refrain. i realize quickly i am nothing if not a contradiction in terms. i simultaneously feel confident and filled with doubt. deeply happy and deeply disturbed. filled with hard-earned wisdom and equal amounts of blinding ignorance.

This is, really, no big surprise. Paradox IS the human condition. and i’m nothing if not infuriatingly human. Still, after being a teacher for over 2 decades, i wanted to know where this knee-jerk response was coming from.

So, i made a list (James Alchuter has taught me to love lists)

You’re welcome for:


my time

my commitment

my knowledge

my teaching experience

my authentic appreciation of your uniqueness

my sincere attempts at providing equal amounts of gravity and levity

I’m sorry for:

the rest of me.

True wisdom comes from being present and working under any condition. In every obstacle lies an opportunity. How you perceive a moment any what you do with it determines the outcome. Thank you Mr. Sivers for sharing this fable of incredible wisdom.

Loved the fable and the video snippets from your book. Song is really good. Thanks for making my day better.

Love it !

塞翁失马 焉知非福 只是乐观态度来应对当下的窘境 阿Q思想可破此寓言

Awesome! I loved the song too.. "Nothing here is heaven. Nothing here is hell" So true!

It's the wisest chinese fable, also my favorite. Uncertainties are the beauty of life. It took me quite a lot time to really understand this fable, though i knew it since i was 5. Cheers!

Hi Derek, Maybe this is about karma? Pleased to have met you at the London Troubadour, when I was recovering from a stroke and heart difficulties and all that jazz. The song might be about the journey being more important than the destination and life is what we make it. We should enjoy our life, as you know, we are only here once, so we must follow our passion. Like your voice and the song arrangement. Going to buy some of your 'Anything You Want' books for some of my friends and family, who are in business. I've learned to stop writing so many protest songs (finally!) and have a different song out b4 long. Keep smiling and dance while you can.

My favorite story:
My grandfather used to say: "Life is astoundingly short. To me, looking back over it, life seems so foreshortened that I scarcely understand, for instance, how a young man can decide to ride over to the next village without being afraid that -- not to mention accidents -- even the span of a normal happy life may fall far short of the time needed for such a journey."
- Franz Kafka

made me think of this when I read yours.

I call this the law of unintended consequence. Been a student of it forever!

This was sweet little story showing how things unfold In contrast to ones life and mosts desire to control things instead of flowing with current.

I love that there is no ending and lesson is repeated, enphasising the present. Reminds of my favorite beauty - yugen

- cheers to you all , pressing the adventure and not so much the destination. :)

POV. A blessing may actually be a curse. Yin Yang? In AA there is a saying "credit and blame smell the same." We'll see. I love duality in story telling but in life it is often a hard lesson. I have a few friends who were born into wealth, famous parents, private schools, trust fund etc. It was something for them to overcome, to survive which they did but all of them had siblings who did not. Careful what you wish for.

塞翁失马，焉知非福. This fable is taught in all Chinese elementary school and known to every Chinese.

Actually, this is a Chinese story, I am a Chinese girl, a beginner in psychology. I hope to see more of your posts on psychology.

A friend once said to me that creation is like an army on the march and you are a foot soldier. March too fast and you will keep cracking your shins on the guy in front, too slow, and you will keep getting kicked up the arse by the guy behind. So learn to walk in step with creation and life gets easier, that is the way of Tao.

Reminds me of this story which is also one of my favourites.

Cheers

Derek.

Actually one of my favourite parables as well. So lovely

Is this fable trying to say that everything happens for a reason? I'm quite confused as to why this is your favorite one.
Not at all! No reason. Just that we can't declare any event as being “good” or “bad”. There are always future consequences that may change everything. So no need to get all upset/excited in the moment. — Derek

Loved that fable. Thanks for sharing it :-)

I'm from China. I learn this fable while I was in primary school. Precise translation and wonderful song!

We'l see lol

I don't want to sound stupid but I don't understand the point of this story I mean you don't have to jump into conclusions because everything can change? I really don't understand it.

I can't believe you know that Chinese folk adage.Sometimes foreign guys don't know Chinese culture that much but I am shocked (good shocked) that you know some Chinese things. I am a programmer who just graduated from college.Now work in Beijing. Of course I am from China. I am trying to learn how to use github recently and accidentally find your site. After reading your article about "The co-op business model", I am so happy I can find this great site and know you. Sharing is so fun. Thank you for doing that. I just became a fan of you. LOL.

Greetings,
Fan Zhang
谢谢 ☺ — Derek

Very inspiring story. The lesson to be learned is not to take life too seriously. Whatever happen in the future is so unpredictable that we just have to be happy for what we got and live for the moment...

It's one of my favorites also..do you know who wrote it?
No - I think it's just “traditional” - an ancient fable. — Derek

Wow, I am familiar with this fable and I learned, even could recite it in Chinese becasue I am Chinese. And, I also feel exciting when I see this English version.
Happey to see it is so helpful for many guys. There are many Chinese fables I think you will like.

Yeah, at first I just want to see thanks, because I love your speech in TED^^ Thank you,sir!

But, I can not help to write these poor English comment because of this article and the following comments.

Thank you again.

I came online looking for this story and couldn't even figure out what to search for since I hadn't heard it in soooo many years, but I found it/you, top of the list on Google! Pretty good news/bad news, huh!

LOVE your song... do you mind if I share?

I've just gone through a year.8 of weird stuff and my friend can't figure out why I don't integrate and process it all... THIS perspective is exactly why/why not!

Thanx Derek... Your musical version is the best yet! I think... it might be too soon to tell! LOL... Dawn

Hey, I am a Chinese(I'd like to say I have no choice~!@#$) guy, in fact, this story was taught in our primary middle school, so almost all of students know it well, yet until after I read the book "Black Swan" by Nassim Nicholas Taleb did I understand this story well. It's really interesting to see some one love this story and made a song of it. Thanks for sharing.

Good story everything happens for a reason good or bad we'll see

LOVE this story. I think I heard it when I went on Vipassana.
Teaches not only that all things/feelings change and so can your viewpoint depending on the circumstances surrounding it.
:-)

I've never seen this before and was instantly brought to tears, true wisdom.

My favorite as well. I first heard it about a year ago. More and more each day I simply smile and say, We shall see.

When you describe yourself you are also describing my son. Wondering if your parents enabled you to succeed by paying for your college degree, giving you free rent and food for a year after you graduated or were you kicked out and forced to be on your own? Allowing my son to think "out of the box" goes against my conservative tradition and it's hard for me to stomach. Yet I realize that's what it takes to start up in the music industry. Help me be the parent that allows his son to succeed by telling me what your parents did or did not do for you.
Thanks.
Cindi
They paid for my college, yes, but it was only $2500/semester back then. At/since age 20, I was on my own. Though I don't think this is a recipe for anything. — Derek

we'll see about leaving a reply...

you just never know, do you, what might have happened otherwise...

My favorite too! Your song is really good! I"m long time music person so my opinion matters :p

I love the song. & the message.

Loved the song! Just found your website via way leading on to way. Very enjoyable fresh perspectives. Merry Christmas!

Love this! Thanks for sharing :)

who can tell what the future brings?

Shit happens! lol!

Learning how to look for the positives in negative situations and not to take anything for granted. It makes your life run a lot smoother. Plus, in one way or anyother, everything happens for a reason...

Jodarosky was going to make Dune. He said Salvador Dali mentioned he sees alarm clocks in the sand when he goes to the beach, and if Jodarosky sees them too. Jodarosky said no "but I have lost a few"

- yes good story about the farmer -

http://www.poetryfoundation.org/poem/175772

Same.

And to #227 and others laughing and claiming this 'ridiculous', here is another saying to ponder:

When the superior man hears of the Tao
He diligently practices it
When the average man hears of the Tao
He sometimes holds it and sometimes loses it
When the inferior man hears of the Tao
He laughs aloud at it
If he did not laugh, it would not be the Tao

Dude, I love this fable and the song. Reminds me of a cross between WildFire and Cat's in the Cradle but happier.

What part of Cali are you from?
Both parts. ☺ — Derek

Good story!
I am a dumb person because I think people will be fair and afford the disabled a reasonable accommodation which would be due process in the Southern District of New York! We will see!

I was looking for this joke to use as an example on my blog. So glad I found it here. I quoted you (with credit).

There are several versions of this story. I think it is an old one.

i liked your lyric, nothing here is heaven, nothing here is hell. i remember being at a workshop of t. harv eker and one of his favorite replies after asking the audience if they would do something....we'll see. And that is the simple truth...no attachment, no meaning, just simply acceptance and being in the NOW. thanks, Derek. p.s. i connected to you through darren hardy.

I received a shiatsu treatment a week or two ago and during the session, the practitioner told me this story. I love fairytales and fables, but hadn't heard this one before. I love that it's your favorite!

I just watched your three short (great!) TED talks. Great stuff and motivated to look at your site. I am an Japanese and (bad) Chinese-speaking (white) Australian factory owner in China dealing with cross cultural stuff all the time. Pity that is China so much has been lost. I will seek to find out how many ordinary people know this story. BRW TED keeps me (almost) sane.

You may all enjoy this one too, from Japan. 風が吹けば桶屋が儲かる (kaze ga hukeba okeya ga moukaru). You can find it on Google.

Lovely, but I like the fact that different versions of this story have a different flavour. Some have "We'll see", others, "Maybe", others, "What make you so sure this isn't a blessing/disaster?" Each response is philosophically different - questioning, accepting, waiting.

So passive and indifferent... but I see hidden optimism as well. I do wish to hear this song you have written about it, however the link is broken. :(

What I take away from this fable: life is so dynamic and flowing... constantly shifting... so indefinite; no matter how much we can define through identification and speech, dynamics will always be just that-- dynamic. I see this man as one to take it as it comes... Knowing damn well that whatever happens, he'll be ready for it.
(Thanks for telilng me about the broken link. Fixed now!) — Derek

Thank you for sharing this. Life's good.

great! This is certainly an appraoch to life that results in so much less stress. It carries a deep philosophy.

thanks for sharing.

The Best.

i keep sharing your site and song. This has been my go-to legend and philosophy for decades and since I stumbled upon your song one day while I was FIRST looking for the fable after many years to share with a young friend I ALWAYS share your version.

Thanx so much. I'm grateful for this site and song that keep on giving. My life has been a prime example of this and you make it so much easier to share than siting my ups and downs which don't matter anyway!!!

With eyes to the future... Dawn

it teaches us not to dispair, one thing works toward another. Maybe positive, maybe negative.
It also seems to carry a negative note, and is sort of dissatisfying as well. Keeps us from living in the moment.
Tell us to be positive when things seem negative, but also to prepare for negativity in the positive. Never satisfying.
But it's still cool. 🌟
Thanks, Dijanna

...If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster and treat those two imposters just the same... (IF - by Rudyard Kipling)


PS: Nice melody.

Well since nothing can be permanent in a temporary life then best to be in a state of zen whatever be the circumstance,As in life whatever will be will be.

This man in the fable is my father! :)-
Honored to be in your presence today at WDS.

Gloria in OR

Thank you very much! I had read just one of your articles(for now😉), but it turned truly usefull for me... You are very inspiring..(I agree with you: self-development or self-improving - I call it "shaping my diamond- my personality", it is the most important thing). I can feel your nice personality just from those few notes which you have here about yourself, so I decided to text you. Thank you again.. You made my day!😃 I wish you a lot of inspiration and creativity in helping people this way. Best regards, Maya

Thank you for your book and song.
What is your opinion about Thrive Market?

Hi Derek,
Absolutely love the song!
Helps us to live in the moment and appreciate what we have

Been endeavoring to live by that fable for a long time now; through rotating careers, marriages and divorces, births and deaths. Not always easy, but wonderfully simple. It not only works, but is at the core of many programs and movements. Life is better lived "one day at a time." Thanks for the chance to re-read it.

This story tells us that there is no such thing as bad luck. Whatever happens happens for good. We might not see it then but one fine day the doors will connect.

COOL production. like your song ☺

Very good 成语。 I speak Chinese, but I didn't know this idiom. A good one ))

Hi from Warsaw

近塞上之人有善术者。马无故亡而入胡。人皆吊之，其父曰：“此何遽不为福乎？”居数月，其马将胡骏马而归。人皆贺之，其父曰：“此何遽不能为祸乎？”家富良马，其子好骑，堕而折其髀（读音bì，股，大腿）。人皆吊之，其父曰：“此何遽不为福乎？”居一年，胡人大入塞，丁壮者引弦而战，近塞之人，死者十九，此独以跛之故，父子相保。This is the original text，Source ancient China：《淮南子·人间训》。

Vi ideas interesantes en su trabajo, gracias!

“We'll see.”

Cute story. I love all those 成語, if only I could remember them! A friend of mine Sander Franken made a movie about it that story but in Rajasthan, called Bardsongs. Three illustrated folk songs, one from Rajasthan one from Ladakh and one from Mali. The story is slightly along the same lines as Kipling's IF. Staying level headed and not getting carried away one way or the other. Something I need to work on most days.

Life isn't good or bad. It just is.
Love what is. Live as it is. ☺️

I am a Chinese student, saw you wrote the "塞翁失马". It's great. How much Chinese culture did you know? Hope can communicate with you about the culture about us.

I have heard this same story from several different sources flavored by different cultures, ages, etc. my favorite was an American Indian chief. I believe his response was "Maybe." I enjoyed the idea that we just never know what events in our life will bring. Tend to like "we'll see" better. Implies an eagerness and curiousity for the future. Was laid off this last Wednesday and at 62 I find myself actually excited about what my future could be. Thanks Derek.

corralled is perhaps incorrectly typed
Good catch! Fixed. Thank you! — Derek

I bet most people say, "we'll see..." but I like this little story and I will share it with my 4 and 6 year old boys tomorrow.

Thanks for sharing this. I love it!

Wow. Always hated life but then around every corner it all made sense in the end! Now have to love life, all good and bad! We'll see how it all turns out. Thank you. Cheers from Miami!

There was a monk named Hakuin who was well respected for his work among the people.

In the village, there lived a young woman, the daughter of the food sellers. The young woman became pregnant by her boy friend who worked nearby in the fish market. When the parents found out about this, they were very angry and pressured her to reveal the name of the father. She wanted to protect the young man and blurted out the name of Hakuin as the father.

After the baby was born, the parents took the baby to Hakuin. They told Hakuin that he was responsible for the baby and left the infant with him. He responded: “Is that so?” And he simply accepted the responsibility for the child without further reaction.

The monk had no experience with babies. But he began to care for its needs, finding food, clothing, and warm shelter. The other villagers became very angry with Hakuin for his offense and his reputation was trashed. These comments did not affect Hakuin, who continued to put his effort and attention into the care of the baby.

After several years, the young woman was filled with remorse. She confessed to her parents the name of the true father. They immediately went to see Hakuin, apologized, and took the baby back with them. Hakuin watched as they returned to there home with the child he had cared for since birth and replied “Is that so?”

Hi, I'm jazz. You're really good man. Im glad I saw this. Currently ReListening to the T Ferriss episode cuz it was so damn good. I'm glad we met.

Timeless wisdom. Here's a modern retelling from Hee Haw, in which Archie and Roy explore relativism . . .

www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fMnQAvz0ek

I liked the emotional wisdom the farmer had. Not actually following in the highs or lows of every emotional situation that life brings. But accepting that each situation happens and to be.....

This fable resonates with me. It can be debated that each situation can happen for a reason, for no reason at all, or a combination of both.
Thanks for sharing.
JP

When I lived in Ghana I often said we'll see after seeing how little I could predict about human nature. It also was a reality check for me and my own responses to new situations that were helping me learn more about me.

Now I'm "working" with a local startup media group in KC and we're covering stories that are often overlooked. It's fun and informative. We're hoping to get funded and/or better utilize our marketing potential.

We'll see what happens next.

I WILL be sharing this at my next Toastmasters meeting as our final thought!

I enjoy the metaphorical point behind it. It's wise. Things happen for a reason; a Decree of God Almighty, and we accept the good and bad of it because there is a mighty wisdom behind its cause. Circumstances differentiate the believer from the disbeliever.

Brilliant. Love the song. May you be increased in wisdom and peace.

love the fable, especially the beautifully orated version by Alan Watts: youtu.be/OX0OARBqBp0

What do you get from this story? I see it as everything is about perspective.

The story is an important reminder not to become dependent on objects or even people. Which does not mean don't care, rather value what you have and be open to what comes next. If you can let go rich experiences will follow as sure as night follows day.

Hi Derek. I can see why you enjoyed this story. It's very similar to a story about Moses in the Qur'an (verses 18:65 thru 18:82). I mention this because there have been Chinese Muslims in China for over 1,300 years, and their stories, legends and wisdom have commingled with Chinese culture ever since.

Thanks for your generous sharing on the two Tim Ferriss podcasts!

We'll see.

Good fable to keep in mind when striving to regulate one's own state . Thanks for sharing.

My first time hearing the tale. It's haunting in a way isn't it... the continuously rolled in waves thrust up--into beauty and breath-- and dashed down-ness of it all. Begs the question: Is there an end? Is there smooth stone, a pearl, or a diamond to behold in time?

I'm reminded of sitting at Vipassana meditation plying equanimity.

I'm considering the tale's place next to this (also important) thinking: http://brightside.me/article/not-everything-happens-for-a-reason-the-magic-words-to-say-when-everythings-going-wrong-55105/

Enjoyed the song...impressive.
Cheers man,
Thanks!

Amazing! No news is bad news, it's just news. Never read it before, but I totally agree with it. I like what you write. It adds fuel. I just started a blog of my own and I feel I'd like to write something like this. Great work here. Looking forward to read more.

Excellent all around - keep doing what you're doing, Derek.

Exactly.

Found this page after a Google search on a very long phrase: "Theres a story of an acolyte and his master. where situations are good and then bad and then good, and so on."
☺ — Derek

I interpret this as a study in being unattached to the events of the world, and gaining happiness from within. Whatever happens without (whether your horse runs away, your house burns down, or your cat decides that the house across the street is a better place to live) does not affect your inner state because you've separated from the exterior events. The only thing that matters is how to tackle what's within.

That isn't to say you shouldn't enjoy worldly goods - you can - but you should never let your personal happiness depend on them. Instead, enjoy them while they last and take the good with the bad. Simply say "We'll see.".
☺ Well put. Thank you. — Derek

My philosophy teacher used this fable when explaining stoicism...love it!

This is one of my absolutely favorite fables, too!
Akin to a favorite poem:
My barn having burned down, I can now see the moon. — Mizuta Masahide
To be open to what is = great personal magic.

My Mom used to tell me this story, a little different but exactly the same. I love this story because when success and failure are the same possibility when you no longer even think that way, then life begins.
Thanks.

Great story to explain luck :) How about this: and then you or your child dies of cancer! I hope this makes you think. Few people's lives have a Hollywood Happy Ending suggested by this story (or the the authors past, who was obviously lucky but also very clever). This new age "its all in your head" kind of thinking is very plausible to people who do not want to admit that most of the things that matter for a happy life are largely outside your control: Where you are born, who you are born to, when you were born, you likes, preferences, inclinations and talents (in different strength levels) ALL have to match in order to pull something off.

thank you. derek. for your
deep thoughts and interesting
articles! - please don't stop writing
...
all the best for you!
greetings from aurich, ostfriesland,
germany.

I LOVE this story! I've never read or heard it before. I truly believe it can change the way I perceive things..... We'll see!

I heard it as Good Luck - Bad Luck
we will see..... Thanks Rick P.S. watch for me on the National News..... Happening Soon

I really like this fable as well. And I enjoyed the song, the melody made me think of riding horses through the Mongolians plains.

Thank you.

I don't know who you are or what you do. I intend to do research you following this comment. I came across this page by searching on Google, "how does one overcome guilt and regret". I read your fable here and heard your song. It had made me think and think about things and come to terms with some important things. Thanks for giving me some feels when I need it the most. You're song is wonderful, I've never heard anything like it. Now, on to my search...

I like to think of life like a computer. Every time something happens, it is either starting a new thread running, or it continues one. Things happen and come back around in cycles that you may not ever expect. Sometimes they do and it has been so long you don't even realize they are all connected. For this reason I try to reserve judgement about things because I never know the end result no matter how it looks. We see all things through a lens darkly, and don't know all the background processes. This allows unprecedented freedom to continue on in the things you love and focus on passion and all the good in life without worrying too much about it. Life, God, the universe, whatever you call it handled the results.

LOL I had read that fable so long ago and for some curious reason the universe (or whatever energy there is) has put that story in front of me about 3-4 times now in the past week. Since we made the decision to chose the path of least resistance my opportunity has been to stay in the moment with what feels like my overwhelming emotions and to release my anxiety about wanting to control my environment. I get it intellectually and now to mature emotionally. Cool that you've chosen to write...like the principles from the Zen Habits guy too. Thanks for putting it out there, setting boundaries, leading by example. I really respect that, thank you.Judy

I have read through all the comments and am trying to find the version of the story cited by #53, who can say wha't good and what's bad referenced Anthony de Mello.
My professor in Eastern Religion related it to our class and I have been looking for the story for more than 25 years. Can you point me in the right direction. I would be so grateful.
Thank you,

Hey derek,

I stumbled on your site from a benjamin hardy blog post.

I have learned a lot from your site and books this evening.

Thanks a ton for sharing the knowledge and wisdom.

Thank you.

TC cheers
Karan

I understand! Like is about (We will see) one day at a time!
Thanks
Greg

Thank you for sharing this story. It made me come back to my breath, think about my relationship with the present moment so I am grateful for having read it.

This story reminds me of what Shakespeare said, "Nothing's either good or bad except your thinking makes it so."
Love the fable. Saw your interview on Bob Baker's show, love your point of view.

Still too soon to tell :)

走着瞧 ：）

The song is so beautiful, Derek! Thank you!

Hey Derek,
Loved "Anything You Want," especially "You make your perfect world" chapter. Check out my 3 minute Traditional Japanese Comedic Storytelling video - www.youtube.com/user/williamcrowley07 Lived in Japan 7 years as professional comedian, now in California actively looking for Bigfoot...seriously☺
May the Squatch be with you!
Bill

Only God knows the answers for most of our exclamations (why this? Why me?...) Man greatest undoing is worry about things he cannot change or process that he cannot hasten. Let us live one day @ a time.

Circle!!

Beautiful song! May I share it?
Thanks! Yep. — Derek

Listened to your feature on Tim Ferriss, enjoyed learning of your journey.

Love how synergized your life seems, eg. this fable and the song about it and how its all posted online on the same webpage. Loving this song btw.

Biggest lesson for me from that podcast is the idea that "super busy" can often mean "super unorganized", which can be averted by simply reassessing priorities.

Also, loved hearing how you made your dreams of being a full-time musician come true by saying "yes" to that pig festival.

In effect, it's beautiful that you've been able to approach life with such inner-peace since you accomplished that goal at an early age, accepting your situation in the circus and allowing it to be "a dream come true".

Thanks for sharing your story Derek, keep on keepin' on ☺

Really enjoyed this story and just discovered your song about it - been listening to it probably 2-3 times per day and find myself humming it. Good stuff!! :)

I play the ukulele, and am not musically inclined enough to discern which chords you're using in the song. (I read it's the chord progression F6 to A, but that makes about as much sense to me as the Chinese characters above!)

Might you share which chords you used—or even better, which ones those would be on a ukulele (GCEA)?

Thanks!
Thanks! F6 just means F major with an added D note in it (the 6th note in the F major scale). Then A major. Then I forget the rest right now, but just follow the bass line. ☺ — Derek

Oh, a great story. And the song. Singing with such a light heart is one of the beautiful things a man can do!!

Thank you for sharing this poem "we'll see".
Though we may experience in life things we'd rather avoid; painful things, things not easily understood, or not easy to cope with in our own strength alone. This poem is encouraging and true in almost everything. If one takes a look back on all positive; and/or what we once perceived as negative experiences, we should be honest to ourselves to admit, we took away or learned something valuable that has impacted our lives in a very positive and productive way. I.e. The negatives teaching us what not to do in the future, or what to do differently etc. the positives what to continue to do or how to improve on what has been done so far and even not to get stuck there because even good things can have a unexpected and undesirable end, but even then it can turn around again for good.
So bottom line is not to lose hope or feel utterly defeated, wait and see through all the pain and all the joys and say courageously "we'll see".

This Taoist proverb is from around 2000 yrs ago.
The Holy Bible BEGINS with the only command for
Mankind is to "not Know good & bad" because it
Brings death (spiritually speaking).
This too is my favorite Taoist proverb!
This is the fundamental of human suffering

shortly, you can not know

One of my favorites too - thank you for reminding me - You're a treasure to me this morning

This is something to remember everyday. And cool song! Good for you transferring the inspiration. ☺

Interesting. I gather from it the quote "This too shall pass"
You can never fully be too happy or too saddened by a situation because there is something around the corner

No "attachments"...to the "circumstance"...in the "moment"...another "moment"...may or may not come about..."we'll see"...

I'm sure someone has mentioned the Joe Crookston song on this story? (I may have, even.)
http://youtu.be/jRfw3ikIJok

You can’t see the whole story while you are in it, but everything happens for a reason.
No, it doesn't. ☺ — Derek

What a great story. Having not positive or a negative state of mind for this mans life in the story means that this man was contempt with himself as well as life around him. I will pass this story on to many people but I hope you forgive me, because I may forget where the story came from.

My thoughts of this are things happen for reasons. They might not always be bad but can turn to good if you keep an open mind.

you can either learn or win from any experience you may face at some point in your life.

We'll see....

Very Taoist! Have you read any of the works of Mozi ? I think you might like him!

Lucky to have come across the fable. Never heard it before.

The song is really good!!

I love it.

Dear Derek,

I am Mexican high school teacher who happens to have used two of your TED talks in her CLIL lessons on the subjects of Speech Communication and Social Problems. I am certain the third and last talk (about the goals) will find its way into my classes too... Will there be more? We hope. THANK YOU for sharing those talks and this fable.

Patricia

PS. What does '塞翁失马' actually mean? Is it 'We'll see'?
PPS. CLIL - Content and Language Integrated Learning
Thanks! Sorry no more TED talks, I don't think. — Derek

Excellent story. Taking the good with the bad. We'll see.

Hi there Mr. Sivers,

Uncanny, I just picked up a passenger the other day who had a section of this poem/fable quoted on their profile. This is the first time I have read the fable in full. Great!

I just finished your book "Anything You Want".
I too am a music producer. I have one album out and actually used CDBaby as my aggregator/distributer.

I have bartended at various pubs and restaurants for the past six years. Came from AZ to LA in 2012 and have recently since July of 2016 become a Lyft Driver.

Now i spend my days doing two things. I either work on my own and my friends music/produce/compose/mix/etc. or research and work on establishing the company My brother and myself have created.

We have an idea for a mobile app. An idea that is simple and we believe will help the common customer and business owner alike. We have been contacting various App and Website developers in attempts to receive quotes for the initial creation of the app and possible hosting and maintenance etc.

I am inspired and motivated as I read through your book. We decided to plan and execute in several ways. We are continuing to contact developers/designers/programmers for quotes in regards to development. We are also going to utilize funding programs such as Indiegogo and Kickstarter. We are putting together business packets in attempts to gain investors from 3rd parties possible national or international companies. In addition I am beginning the process of learning programming code and IOS App development.

I researched and sought for a few good books that could possible help me learn code or the app creation process. One of the books I came across of which I enjoyed the summary and purchased was of course your book "Anything You Want". So thats my story of how your book has come to me and these drawn out paragraphs are my thanks.

I like how you mentioned in your book that sometimes we forget that there is someone else on the other side of the internet so to speak. Often I will find tidbits of great information or find inspiration from a book or other source but do not connect or give thanks to the Author or source.

I have a little moleskin book that I write my favorite ideas, concepts, and theories in. The most exciting concept in your book that struck a cord with me was the idea of following the "Hell yes" and not just the yes. If it wasn't a "Hell Yes" then perhaps it wasn't worth participating in. I changed it to "Follow the loud yes" for my little notebook. How I received the idea or heart of your words throughout your book was to listen to yourself, be bold, daring, new, aware and observant.

I thoroughly enjoyed the quick read and thought you should know.
Thanks for the inspiring words of wisdom and encouragement.
I hope you are continuing to live life to the fullest and are enjoying what you do everyday.

Cheers:

-Grant S.

I am sharing this fable again with my FB friends, linking back to your site Derek. Its good advice :)

Derek - Nice story. It's quite timely, given the recent presidential results. ;)
Thanks for sharing.


Best,
Nate

To be able to accept your situations with no judgment on the outcome or circumstances. Enlightening fable. Thanks Derek!!

Hahaha--Do we support Trump or Hillary? I support Scott Adams--and he says Trump, since I dont live in the USA I go with him. And change is essential--lets see what happens.

Equanimity :)

Yep, that's exactly what I've been saying too. Wise words.

Great article Derek. It's a lesson in stoicism. Been following your material since hearing you on James Altucher's podcast. You described Tim Ferris putting ads in his podcast being like "putting a coke machine in a monastery" Pure genius.

Hi Derek,

beautiful story and beautiful song!

Perfect post for after the elections in the US!

Hi Derek! I know this story as "Is that so?". So good hearing from you on FB. :) #leaningintostoicism

Derek,
A great fable, and a great song really liked the end bringing the listener into the story. It's all about accepting the past, living in the present and receiving the future as it becomes now.
Thank you for sharing this fable and song.

I've heard this story before with other images, but essentially the same wisdom. I often refer to it when experiencing the unknown in unforseen circumstances.

In the vein of the Franlin ditty:
A little neglect may breed mischief ...
for want of a nail, the shoe was lost;
for want of a shoe the horse was lost;
and for want of a horse the rider was lost.
-Benjamin Franklin
Poor Richard's Almanac, preface (1758)

But the eastern take is more profound, treating the illusion of control as chance's --or fate's--eternal dance...........hence, humility.

twas was a good one!!

Follow your passion while you can
Find the sunshine grab it, man.
Just go out there and do your thing
Who knows what the future brings
(www.dennisderby.co.uk)

just like the song's theme, the musical structure is incredibly ambivalent major/minor - there's good in the bad, and bad in the good.
Nice and mysterious song!
You're the first one to ever comment on that major/minor thing. Thank you! — Derek

#stoicism love it

This is an incredible story. Thank you Mr. Sivers for caring (is sharing). I got to know your page from Leo Babauta's http://zenhabits.net

And I'm glad I stumbled upon your page Mr. Sivers.

:)

Awesome. This fable is the only chapter I remember from my Mandarin language textbook back in 2006.

Of all that I learned that year, nothing was more useful the line from that lesson 痛不一定是坏事 (pain is not necessarily a bad thing). Above providing solace in painful moments, it has earned many a wry chuckle from masseuses over the many years I have since spent in China.

I love this fable! I'm very late to discover it, but I'm so glad I did. Thanks Derek! What a wise man in this story. :)

Hey that was interesting. Thanks for sharing!

As I have no idea why I am in this form, in this time, knowing this life, by what measure may I judge anything?

We'll see. Who will see and when will they see it?

Life Happens...

Quite on par with a couple of lines from the (now old) film, What Dreams May Come, with Robin Williams.

Sometimes when you win
You Lose.
Sometimes when you lose
You Win

Getting older has a way of making more sense of all these guideposts. Cheers!

I chuckled when I saw this. I was introduced to this narrative by reading Alan Watts, a brilliant philosopher, author who wrote and lectured in the 60's. The truth is like matter, cannot be created or destroyed and is rediscovered with each generation. You should take a look at AW's book, "The Joyous Cosmology" sometime. Would love to see your notable summary.

As a psychotherapist, I have often used this story with patients who suffer from anxiety in one form or another to help them fracture their fears of the future and regrets of the past.

So glad I stumbled on your website. Been looking for something like this for a long time. Looking forward to the many hours of sorting through and learning through your experiences.

Best regards,
Paul Shields

One of my all time faves. A form of it is in a children's book of Tibetan Buddhist stories. It's called "Yeshi's Luck" in that book. Seems one of many examples of the similarities between Buddhism and Stoic philosophy and one of the most comprehensible examples of non-attachment and accepting that everything is impermanent.

This past year has been full of situations that neighbor's have been saying "I am sorry". In the beginning I felt pity for myself, now I just say "We'll see" and just be!

I have a few times found comfort along with counsel in the old Chinese adage, expressed in four characters, a chung-yo:

When the old man loses his horse, how does he know it isn't good luck? When the old woman loses her horse, how does she know it isn't good luck?

Love this animated version of the fable by the late Alan Watts back in the 60's:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=OX0OARBqBp0

May have overlooked it referenced in the comments but thought someone would appreciate the share. Especially Paul Shields comment #59085

This is first time I learned this fable in English.
第一次读英文写的春秋语言故事。

This fable reminds me of something Tony Robbins said which stuck with me, "Life doesn't happen to you, it happens for you" everything for a reason even if it at the time it doesn't seem like it.

Things aren't inherently good or bad. It is only in our minds that we attach such labels to things. The farmer is simply content. This may sound boring as it is not as polarizing as good or bad, but I would disagree. What I get from the fable is that living a content life is a life of non-judgment. Simpy accept what is without a prejudgment. Saying that an event is one of two things, good or bad, isn't very helpful. Often we don't have enough information or time to decide correctly and there are a million shades of grey between what one thinks is good or bad. What help are such labels, especially when wildly inaccurate and subjective?
☺ — Derek

Thank you.

This tale (parable?) has been the most useful tidbit I've ever encountered. First heard it a decade ago, and it seems Life offers a fresh layer of integrated understanding at every turn.

A Lately Perspective Along These Lines:

1. There's always always always plenty of evidence for whatever story you're telling. (aka confirmation bias)

2. Shift the story, and watch the evidence line up to reinforce it.

3. Ditch the story and see what a moment brings.

(Super facile with #1, practicing #2, fleeting with #3. .... though if I shift that very story about skills and facility and what's fleeting, the evidence aligns. Delightful how that works.)

This is wonderful story and love the song to it! Thank you Derek! You are an inspirational human being!

Thank you for sharing. I like this story and have repeated it to my wife (and myself) when something "good" or "bad" happens. It's interesting because it reframes perception. Reminds me of what a manager of mine said to me years ago "It's impossible to know if a decision is good or bad in the moment."

Time and chance happens to all. Take everything life gives you and expect nothing from it.

I teach horseback riding. I just told this story to one of my students who understandably seeks assurance that all is going really well. This story sums it up perfectly.
love how you express yourself.
thanks for sharing,
Kim

I like the song too. Thanks a lot!

Derrek,

You bastard.
You stole my fabourite parable.
(Or, perhaps, since I am feeling generous, we SHARE a favourite parable.)

Be well,
James

PS.
How do I get updated/alerted when you post something new.

PPS.
I first heard your voice courtesy of Tim Ferris. YOU have such unique voice and view of the world and your place in it, that I, for one, would Love to hear you interacting with other unique voices.
"Derrek Discusses . . . "
Just a thought.

Love the fable! Such a good reminder of patience and big-picture thinking. Also, as a man of faith, I know that we don't always see the final tapestry that's being woven.
Thanks for the wisdom!

Derek,

I revisited your "Horses" story around the time of the 2016 presidential election, when my life felt like turmoil. I couldn't internalize the story. At the time, it felt immoral to not be outraged.

In the following months, I kept thinking about the story. On the days when everything felt so messed up that I couldn't work, I thought about the story. As I watched my friends speak up for injustices, show compassion for one another, and get invested in the political system for good, I thought about the story.

Now, Horses is a part of who I am and how I face the day. It's my gyroscopic center. I can't remember the last time I face the day and felt like "I couldn't even" because I was so consumed with the current events surrounding me.

If a simple story can help us find traction where before we stumbled, then it is a great story, indeed.

I hope you're well.

Russ
☺ Wow! Thank you Russ. That is so nice to hear! — Derek

One of my favorite stories as well. To me it outlines the human necessity to label the outcome of each individual event in a person's life as positive or negative. While the reality is that everything is a constant flow and judging it at each point is not practical and even impossible.

This story has had a tremendous impact on me. It is a constant reminder, that nothing is permanent and things are never intrinsically good or bad.

A good choice for a favourite fable! Not that you need my approval.

glad you are better! I am not a Bible reader, but look up Ecclesiastes chapter 9, verses 11 and 12. It is a similar perspective to the fable.

I love this fable and the song is even more compelling. How can I buy a copy or download to my iPod?

Fable work intrigues me. This is by an amazing multimedia artist Pierre Bennu. I think you'll enjoy it's simplicity and message. vimeo.com/15056532

If you like it, watch his animation fable Larry.

Thanks, Kyra

No time like the present--it's always the only time. Thanks for sharing and being such an interesting man. I hope someone is doing your bio. I imagine it would be a good read.

Did you really give CDBaby away? There must have been a catch?

All the best to you

Just recommended you to a young person who's interested in learning javascript.

Stopped by your site.

Stumbled on your favorite fable, and this is one of my all-time favorites, too! These are literally words to live by, aren't they?!

I've told it quite a few times when the time was right. Only variation is, the man says, "Maybe, maybe not," instead of "We'll see."

Now to check our your song.

Thanks again, Derek!

Great song! Love your voice too...

What kind of character "We'll see" represent. Patience, or something else?

It is a Chinese idiom, a metaphor for the loss of time, but may benefit from it. Also means bad things can be changed into good things under certain conditions. From "淮南鸿烈集解" solutions, derived for the phrase "Misfortune may be an actual blessing".

A great story. Very similar to this is Descartes's view that certain (some) uncertainties are the desirable status to be in; Descartes was thinking about knowledge and meta knowledge when formulating this axiom, but it is a good general algo for "life" too.

in ancient Persian culture, there is a poet who belongs to the village of Rodak in present-dayTajikistan, who writes 1200 years ago, and I try to translate:

"You want to flatten* the world?
It is world, won't get flattened.
Became* what became/went what went
comes what comes**
How can you bring back the long gone days?
In midst of harshest difficulties is made
The badge of honor and greatness"

*Flatten is literal, it means suit the world to your purpose actually. As if the world were a mountain.
**comes what comes: let what happens, happen== whatever must happen, it does.


Thanks for respecting the original Chinese culture where this story first originated by indicating the idiom in Chinese. (I am not Chinese but lived here for years).

A Chinese philosopher (Zhuangzi) said: this is that, but that is also this.

I didn't know what this and that meant then, but I understand it from the horse table now,

Thanks

This fable was on my mind this morning because I had a strange dream. When I doze off again early morning, I tend to remember dreams, especially when something like the phone ringing wakes me up. I remembered Friday night I was having a higher consciousness conversation with a young man about our life experiences. I told him I didn't know why I had to experience all the crap I'd been through -- I'm 61 and if I live another 30 years there is still time to become a teacher/mentor to many people. In the dream, a friend of mine and I go to see a female psychic with blond hair below her shoulders. The woman tells my friend she has water retention and then, harshly, GET OVER YOUR STUFF! There are a LOT of people waiting for you to help them. I know this message to be for me as well. And this morning it came in clear -- and I hope I remember -- that experiences are neither good or bad. Just experiences. Learn to be an observer and don't get caught up in the drama. This is when I felt inspired to look up this fable and found your site.

Great story. Something which I live by daily. Also your website is really good. I haven't yet followed all your work so I'll comment on that after I do that and which I'm surely planning to.
More power to you.
Nice knowing you.
Tc.

Hi Derek, 塞翁失马焉知非福 is the complete phrase that Chinese use to describe this whole story. I think it illustrates the story better if you could use the whole phrase. :) Just a small tip. Please ignore it if you think otherwise.

It'll be too cheesy if I just write "We'll see", so I'll write a little. Yeah, it's a great story, I'm still laughing at myself. Thinking how many times I've made a problem out of nothing. If this is a lesson to be learned. Then I hope to learn it now. I don't want to unnecessarily waste another second in my life. There are so many things I have to do, Read, Learn, Practice and most importantly make people smile because if God has given you a talent to do so. You must practise it. Alright then, I'm feeling better now. Thanks to this fable. Hope it reaches others as it has to me. Have a happy day and spread a smile. I'll warn you. It's contagious :)

Thank you!

Thank you for posting this. I sat down tonight to take a stab at a memoir I started about an adventure I went on almost 9-years ago ~ sailing from Thailand to South Africa on a rogue yacht with an eccentric Australian conspiracy theorist who built his sailboat by hand. He financed his circumnavigation of the globe by taking on crew via an ad on the internet.

I had applied for the spot on his boat while I was living in London (as a banker), fantasizing about quitting my job and going off grid. He called during a stopover in Langkawi to "interview me." I was a high strung, anxiety ridden 38-year old woman, suddenly panicked because the global economy was collapsing and I'd just tendered my resignation. He comforted me by telling me your favorite fable.

I wrote the outline to my "book" about 4 years ago but couldn't remember the details of the fable that started the whole thing. Then, in 2016 I went through a "Derek Sivers" phase and there it was on your website.

I just noticed tonight that you posted it February 2009, the month I climbed aboard that crazy sailboat in Thailand.

Funny, it applies to my situation today as much as it did nine years ago.

We all have a destiny, the way to be is detached: who know when something is really good? and who knows when something is really bad? From which plan or realm of existence are we to look at it?
Something we judge as bad could be the reason we found what we were looking for without knowing we were looking for it.
I found my spiritual practice: Falun Dafa based on the understanding that being Truthful, Compassionate and Forbearant is being in harmony with this universe, and therefore is being a good person. After struggling in relationship with a man for 18 yrs... you would say going no where. Once I let go, and ask God for guidance: all opened up and what I had been looking for without knowing what it was fail on my lap. The only way to be is being grateful for all that is.

That's funny.... Mullah/Khwaja Nasruddin tells the same story too! It's good enough to tell many times over.

Strange how a fable or proverb can stay with you for life. My grade 6 and 7 teacher used to tell us fables because he was worried that we wouldn't pick them up from our culture anymore. Luckily for me there was a children's puppet show on CBC that included animated fables. Later I found them on my own, and found a book or two of Chinese proverbs too.

Strange how I still remember a children's version that went "oh that's bad" and "no, that's good."
As I recall, it included jumping out of faulty airplane. That's bad... but he had a parachute... that's good... but the parachute didn't open... Then a haystack, with a pitchfork, but he missed the pitchfork.

Great insightful story. I translated it in Bengali. Here is the link - muradulislam.me/consequences/
Thank you! — Derek

came across this story before i came across sive.rs but: (1) from the day i heard it this has been my favorite story (i retell it to myself something like once a day or once a week); (2) this is the first time i heard your related mp3... now my new favorite DS audio recording. Pablo Honey vibes!; (3) totally putting this on adbalits.com!

I'm Chinese. I thought I'd explain this for those who don't understand this proverb.

Firstly, the full idiom is, "塞翁失马焉知非福".

It just basically means that when something that may seem bad on the outset happens to you, don't be so quick to rush and complain about your bad luck, because this apparent "bad" thing may turn out to be a blessing in disguise.

That's all.

http://twitter.com/heyammy

A nice take on every cloud has a silver lining!

Hello, my husband just played your interview with Tim Ferris. I really enjoyed it. I used to tell my family I was going to run away and join the circus.

So in return for the knowledge and fun your interview gave me I will give you a small gift. I have known a lot of truly tragic and tough times and this is what I have learned.

Rest in the spaces inbetween the hard times. These rest stops are in preparation for the next battle. Even Anne Frank and Viktor Frankl admired the star light in the death camps.

Thank you for your interview. TTFN (Ta Ta for now from Tigger)

We'll see! ¡Veremos!

The original version is in ancient Chinese. Actually it was in my primary school textbook. It was funny to remember how painful it was to recite the original piece as required by my teachers. Until years later, I start to appreciate. The wisdom behind this fable gives great guidance in making decisions and unfolds itself into actions and solutions.

A beautiful fable - my young kids loved it too. A timely reminder to remain humble during good times, and constructive during adversity.

I heard this on am radio read by earl nightingale 30 years ago. I have never forgotten it. Ty.

I have generally been like the farmer my whole life. Suffering misfortune people thought would devastate me much more than it actually did, yet I have also received good fortune that people thought I'd be ecstatic over and I never really was.
I always felt a bit of guilt because the people around me couldn't understand my rection, they always had a look of worry and confusion.
But I think the moral of the story is that (as JBP would probably say) there is both the divine and it's opposite in our reality. Personally I think it's the duty of a responsible person to remind yourself of the other when one presents itself in your current reality.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fMnQAvz0ek

Reminds me of Hee Haw!!! ^^^

Charlie Wilson's War.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=e2cjVhUrmII

I try to see things positively.

A classic story about Taoist philosophy. The good is the root of the bad; the bad is where the good is hidden.

Todo tenía su razón de ser🤗😊🤗🤗

A interesting version of stoicism, thank you Derek !

Translated into French with your permission ? :-)
www.agelebart.fr/chevaux
Mais oui! — Derek

塞翁失马，焉知非福。

In other words, one must roll with what I refer to as "The Organic Algorithms of Chaos."

hahaha.. sorry i had to come and say this

louis ck ruined this parable for me forever

it's in his ridiculous show