A Donkey, a Bridge, and a Hard Truth About Opinions

A Donkey, a Bridge, and a Hard Truth About Opinions

An old married couple is walking with their donkey to town. Along the way:

  • First passerby says, “What a waste — walking when you’ve got a donkey!”
    → So the husband rides, and the wife walks.

  • Second passerby says, “Selfish man — making your wife walk?”
    → So the wife rides, and the husband walks.

  • Third passerby says, “Unbelievable! A wife riding while her old husband walks?”
    → So they both ride the donkey.

  • Fourth passerby says, “That poor donkey is overloaded!”
    → So they both get off and try to carry the donkey.

Finally, while crossing a bridge, they lose their grip — the donkey falls into the river and drowns.

Moral:

“If you try to please everyone, you may end up pleasing no one — and losing what matters most.”