Everything happens for a reason

The JD Letter

October 19, 2024

This parable of the Chinese farmer completely changed my view about the world:

• A long time ago, a poor Chinese farmer lost a horse, and all the neighbors came around and said: “well that’s too bad.” The farmer said: “maybe.”

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• Shortly after, the horse returned bringing another horse with him, and all the neighbors came around and said: “well that’s good fortune.” To which the farmer replied: “maybe.”

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• The next day, the farmer’s son was trying to tame the new horse, fell and broke his leg. All the neighbors came around and said: “well that’s too bad.” The farmer replied: “maybe.”

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• Shortly after, the emperor declared war on a neighboring nation and ordered all able-bodied men to come fight—many died or were badly injured, but the farmer’s son was unable to fight and spared due to his injury. All the neighbors came around and said: “well that’s good fortune.” The farmer replied: “maybe.”

And so the story goes.

Events in life are neither inherently good nor bad - they're part of a larger unpredictable flow.

When you see life through an equanimity lens and let go of the idea to rush judgment about circumstances, then you can experience humility.

When you finally surrender to humility, then you can see that everything happens for a reason.

That's it for today.

I hope you enjoyed today's short story. If you did, consider sharing this letter with someone you know could benefit from reading it.

Chat next week,

Jess

Inspire, Empower, Transform.

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• P.S

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