proverb · Words worth keeping
He that would please all, and himself too, Undertakes what he cannot do.
He that would please all, and himself too, Undertakes what he cannot do.
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
You cannot assume one choice will satisfy everyone’s preferences, including your own. Acknowledge conflicting needs and explain a reasonable decision rather than promising universal approval.
Example
An organiser chooses a meeting time after checking essential access requirements and explains why it cannot match every member’s preferred hour.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
The impossible undertaking comes from expecting every preference to be met at once. People can want different things from the same arrangement, and the person making it may also have legitimate needs. The proverb warns about the promise of pleasing everyone, not about the value of listening or seeking agreement. Sometimes a common solution is possible; sometimes trade-offs must be made explicit. The useful task distinguishes essential requirements from preferences and explains how a decision has been reached. Disappointment does not automatically show failure, but neither should the saying be used to dismiss a serious objection without consideration.
When to use it
Use it when conflicting preferences make a promise of universal satisfaction unrealistic.
Keep in mind
Listen to real needs and justified objections; imperfect agreement does not make every compromise fair.
An interpretation of the words, not a claim about their earliest origin.
Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Traditional
Attribution: traditional - Country attributed
- Not established
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin. - Historical period
- Date unknown
- Culture
- English