Ten Problems

Near China’s northern borders lived a man well versed in the practices of Taoism thought, where spontaneous events can and often do bring unforeseen results, such as good results coming from bad events or bad results coming from good intentions. When one day one of this man’s horses, for no reason at all, got into the territory of the northern tribes, everyone commiserated with him. 

“Perhaps this will soon turn out to be a blessing, we’ll see,” said the man.

After a few months, his animal came back, leading a fine horse from the north. Everyone congratulated him.

“Perhaps this will soon turn out to be a cause of misfortune, we’ll see,” said the man.

Since he was well-off and kept good horses, his son became fond of riding and eventually broke his thigh bone falling from the very horse from the north and was never able to walk freely. Everyone commiserated with him.

“Perhaps this will soon turn out to be a blessing, we’ll see,” said the man.

One year later, the northern tribes started a big invasion of the border regions.

What blessing do you suppose came from the son breaking his leg?

Solution