Juha, His Son and the Donkey Fairy Tale

One day Juha and his son set off for the market, leading their donkey. Juha put his son on the donkey and walked beside it.

As they passed a village, people whispered, "Look at that boy! He rides the donkey while his old father walks. What a rude child!" The son felt ashamed, so he got down and let his father ride.

In the next village people said, "Look at that father! He rides while his little son trudges along in the heat. What a cruel father!" So Juha lifted his son onto the donkey too, and they rode on together.

In the third village people shouted, "Poor donkey! Two of them riding at once — they will wear the animal out!" So Juha and his son got down and led the donkey on foot.

In the fourth village people roared with laughter. "Look at those fools! They have a donkey, and yet they are both walking!"

Then Juha turned to his son and said, "Do you see, my son? Whatever you do, someone will find fault. So don't try to please everyone. Do what you yourself believe is right."