Meaning
The proverb “You can’t please everyone” means no matter how hard you try, it is impossible to make everyone happy. Different people have different opinions, needs, and expectations. If you constantly chase approval from everyone, you will only exhaust yourself and lose your own peace of mind. Instead, focus on doing what is right, kind, and true to your values. Pleasing everyone is an unrealistic goal, but living with integrity and balance earns respect and lasting happiness.
Understanding the Idea of the Proverb
This saying reminds us to stop worrying about universal approval. Decisions may upset some while delighting others, but what truly matters is choosing the path aligned with your principles.
A Beautiful and Relatable Moral Story
Once, in a quiet village, a father and his young son set off to the market with their donkey. At first, both walked beside the donkey to keep it from tiring. Some villagers saw them and laughed, “What fools! They have a donkey but don’t ride it.” Embarrassed, the father asked his son to climb on.
A little further, another group mocked, “What a lazy boy! He rides while his poor old father walks.” The son quickly climbed down, and the father got on. Soon, more people scolded, “How selfish! The man rides while the little boy walks.” Feeling guilty, the father pulled his son up so they both sat on the donkey together.
But in the next town, people shouted, “Cruelty! Look at how they burden that poor animal!” Desperate to stop the criticism, the father and son decided to carry the donkey on their shoulders using a pole and rope. The villagers burst into laughter at the ridiculous sight. In their struggle, the donkey slipped, fell into the river, and drowned.
The father sighed and told his son, “Do you see, my child? No matter what we do, people will always find fault. If we try to please everyone, we lose what truly matters.”
The boy nodded, realizing a lesson he would carry for life: living by others’ approval leads to foolishness, while following one’s conscience brings peace.
Moral
Don’t waste energy trying to satisfy everyone. Make choices based on wisdom, kindness, and values—even if not everyone agrees.