The Man and His Two Wives
Story Summary
In this very short moral story, a middle-aged man with two wives—one young and one old—struggles to satisfy their conflicting desires regarding his appearance. The young wife removes his grey hairs to make him look younger, while the elder wife plucks out the black ones to avoid resembling his mother. Ultimately, his efforts to please both lead to his complete baldness, illustrating the lesson that trying to satisfy everyone can result in losing everything—a heartwarming tale with a clear moral.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
Trying to please everyone can lead to losing everything.
Historical Context
This story reflects themes of marital dynamics and the complexities of polygamy, which have been prevalent in various cultures, particularly in ancient and traditional societies. It draws on folk narratives that explore the consequences of trying to please multiple partners, reminiscent of Aesop's Fables, where moral lessons are conveyed through anthropomorphized characters and their dilemmas. This tale serves as a caution against the pitfalls of indecision and the desire to satisfy everyone, leading to personal loss.
Our Editors Opinion
This story illustrates the challenges of trying to please everyone, a dilemma that resonates in modern life as we often juggle various expectations from family, friends, and colleagues. For instance, a working parent might try to satisfy both their employer with late hours and their children with constant attention, ultimately leading to burnout and neglecting their own well-being—demonstrating that yielding to all demands can result in losing oneself.
You May Also Like
The Wolf and the Fox
In "The Wolf and the Fox," a large and strong Wolf, believing himself honored by his fellow wolves when they call him "Lion," foolishly abandons his kind to live among lions. An observant old Fox comments on the Wolf's pride, pointing out that despite his size, he will always be merely a wolf in a herd of lions. This entertaining moral story serves as a life-changing reminder of the dangers of self-conceit and the importance of recognizing one's true nature in the realm of popular moral stories for adults.
The Man and the Wooden God
In this timeless moral story, a man frustrated by his persistent bad luck repeatedly prays to a wooden idol inherited from his father, but his pleas go unanswered. In a fit of rage, he destroys the idol, only to discover it hid a vast amount of coins inside, revealing that his luck was intricately tied to the very object he sought help from. This tale serves as a wisdom-packed reminder that sometimes, our fortunes are hidden in the places we least expect.
The Trees and the Axe
In "The Trees and the Axe," a man humorously asks the Trees for a young ash-tree to create a handle for his axe, which they willingly sacrifice. However, as he swiftly cuts down the forest's strongest giants, an old oak laments that their consent has led to their own demise, illustrating a powerful moral about the consequences of sacrificing one for the many. This short moral story serves as a poignant reminder for personal growth, emphasizing the importance of protecting one's rights to ensure collective survival.
Other names for this story
The Balancing Act, Two Wives' Dilemma, The Hairy Situation, Love's Compromise, The Man's Folly, Wives and Wishes, A Husband's Predicament, The Gray Dilemma
Did You Know?
This story highlights the theme of the consequences of trying to please everyone, illustrating how the man's attempts to satisfy both wives ultimately led to a loss of his own identity and autonomy. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of compromising oneself in the pursuit of harmony.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.