The Donkey Dilemma by Molla Nasreddin for non-Persian speakers to enjoy Persian literature and Persian stories with a video and some questions for discussion
The Persian version of the Donkey Dilemma by Molla Nasreddin
Read the Persian version of this short story by clicking on the link below:
داستان سرانجام دهان بینی – آموزش آنلاین زبان فارسی به کودکان و نوجوانان
Video of the Donkey Dilemma by Molla Nasreddin
YouTube video of this short story
The Donkey Dilemma by Molla Nasreddin
I heard an incredible story about Molla Nasreddin. One day, he wanted to take his son to a town. He decided to let his son ride the donkey while he walked beside him. As they started down the road, they met some people who looked at the boy on the donkey with disapproval. One person said, “Look at that! The boy rides the donkey while his poor father has to walk!”
When the boy heard this, he felt bad and asked his father to ride the donkey instead. So, Molla Nasreddin got on the donkey, and the boy walked next to him. Again, they met another group of people. This time, someone said, “Well, look at that! That boy has to walk while his father rides the donkey!”
Faced with these conflicting opinions, Molla Nasreddin decided the best course of action was for both of them to ride the donkey. He told his son, “Get on the donkey with me. No one can criticize us now!” Then, they met two old men on the road. One of them remarked, “That poor donkey looks very tired carrying both of you.”
Realizing he couldn’t please everyone, Molla Nasreddin stopped the donkey and they both got off. As they continued walking, they soon met some more people on the road. To his surprise, these people criticized them for walking in the hot weather!
At last, Molla Nasreddin looked at his son and said with a sigh:
“You can’t please everyone.”
Discussion questions
Answer the following questions in the comment box below.
- Why did Molla Nasreddin keep changing who rode the donkey?
- What lesson did Molla Nasreddin learn at the end of the story?
- Imagine you were on this journey with Molla Nasreddin. What would you have suggested he do?
Thank you so much @nafiseaghaee for translating this short story by Molla Nasreddin into Persian.