Once upon a time, there was an old man.

One day, his horse ran away.

The villagers said to him it was a great misfortune.

However, the old man just answered, “It could be good, or it could be bad.”

A few months later, the horse returned, bringing a few other horses.

The villagers said this time it was a great fortune.

But the old man again answered, “It could be good, or it could be bad.”

His son fell while handling the horse and injured his leg.

The villagers said this time it was a great misfortune.

However, the old man still answered, “It could be good, or it could be bad.”

Not long after, war broke out, and the young men went to the army.

The old man's son did not go to the army because he broke his leg.

The villagers said this time it was a great fortune.

However, the old man still answered, “It could be good, or it could be bad.”