I heard a powerful story yesterday told by one of the founders of the betting platform, Kalshi, Tarek Mansour.
The platform recently achieved prominence because it endured many hurdles to gain legal permission to allow betting on the elections in the United States.
Mansour sees betting on elections, and weather events like earthquakes and tornadoes as an expression of the unpredictability of life.
He recounted a Taoist parable about a Chinese farmer whose most valuable possession was his horse.
One night, the horse vanished and the farmer was very sad. But he said to himself that there was a reason why his prized horse had suddenly gone away.
The next day the horse returned with several other horses, and he was suddenly rich. But he reminded himself that life was unpredictable. The next day his son took a horse for a ride and fell off. He was badly hurt.
Again, the farmer reminded himself there must be a reason. Soon a war broke out, and all of the young men in the village were drafted, but his son was not called to serve because he was injured.
The farmer thought again about the vicissitudes of life and was grateful that his beloved son was not called to fight.
***
The story reminded me of my life’s unpredictability. We can see events as opportunities or things to be feared. I had a heart attack that nearly killed me 16 years ago, but to the surprise of the doctors, I survived. Gratitude enriches our lives. We can regard the unknown with misery and apprehension or with gratitude. Today, I regard my survival as a great gift rather than a horrible event.
In a few weeks, God willing, I will celebrate my 80th birthday. I must admit that on many days I envision the date with sadness because it is a sign of how few days I have left in my life.
The farmer’s story reminded me of the need to look at my life with optimism and thanks. Every day, I get to spend my time with my wife of 55 years, Risa. I get to revel in her love and the love of my children, and grandkids. What a gift that is.
The election today is looked at with fear by many people in America, but I’m not that afraid. The story of the farmer reminds us to look at the upside of getting to elect a new president in a diverse, amazing country.
The outcome will not be as bad as we feared or as good as we hoped. Let us be grateful. The unknown can be an opportunity.
Question: What are you doing to take your mind off the election or will you be glued to TV?
7 Comments
Patiently waiting for the wave. I have had a gut feeling for these last several months.
You are a very lucky man to spend 55 years with the woman you love. I hope she feels the same way about you. If so count your life as well lived.
The country will endure no matter what happens.
Going to relax and clean my guns.
Several states have already stated they will not have results for over a week.
It takes time to steal an election…
If they cannot steal it, enjoy Riot Season.
Otherwise, be prepared for 400 years of darkness as religion will be removed, destroyed and replaced by the worship of the one world government of the new world order.
PRAY
and Stay Safe !!!
Carry on with life like I do every day. If the election is the top priority in life, I suggest you find a hobby that will lead you to a better place than partisan politics. There is much more to live for than the outcome of today.
I love reading your wisdom, Lloyd! Please keep posting as long as you can.
If I can’t find a good basketball game or tennis match in Mongolia I’llwatch or read election news. The Free Press will probably be the best as it almost always is these days.
Rick you are brilliant but you scare me as you write about cleaning your guns. Have chocolate vhip cookies instead
Attitude of gratitude