The Usefulness of a Cup

We got Chinese food for dinner on New Year's Day. This was in my fortune cookie:

First of all, this does not tell me my "fortune" — not that I believe in that stuff.

Plus, I think this statement can be true or false, depending on the application and/or the point in time:

• If I am looking for a cup to hold some hot tea that I wish to drink, then an empty cup is certainly more useful to me. An empty cup can be filled.
• If I am thirsty and need a cup that already contains a liquid refreshment, then an empty cup is not useful. An empty cup is merely empty.
• If I am using "cup" as a metaphor, then this takes the statement to a whole new level....

My head hurts.