They just assumed that it was. Many people see locked doors in life without even turning the knob. The way we view situations has a lot to do with how we deal with them. The Chinese outlook in this case implies that in situations of change or transition there is an equal opportunity to lose or achieve something even better. They may appear the same, but if I have the choice I'll go with the half full glass because the rest is full of hope.
Rod specializes in helping kids raise healthier and happier parents.