Do not waste your life proving others wrong

It was a hot afternoon when a 20 -year-old boy named Peter walked down a dusty road holding the rope of a tired donkey. As he walked, people sitting on the roadside started whispering and laughing. One man shouted, “Hey boy, why are you walking while the donkey is free? Sit on it. That is what donkeys are for.” Peter looked around embarrassed. Maybe they were right, he thought. He climbed on the donkey’s back and continued his journey. A few minutes later, an old man passing by frowned and said, “What a cruel boy. You are young and strong, and that poor donkey is weak and old. Shame on you for riding it.” Peter felt his heart sink. He quickly jumped down, patted the donkey’s back, and decided to walk again. Maybe this is the right thing to do,” he said to himself. But soon, two women carrying water jars saw them and began to gossip. Look at this foolish boy. He has a donkey and still walks. Maybe the donkey owns him. Their laughter echoed in Peter’s ears. His face turned red with shame. He pulled the donkey’s rope angrily and shouted, “Fine. You want me to ride it? I will. He sat on the donkey again, this time harder, and forced it to walk fast under the hot sun. The poor animal stumbled, its legs trembling. After a few steps, the donkey fell to its knees. Peter jumped down quickly, frightened and guilty. People nearby burst into laughter. Peter stood there silently, dust covering his face, his heart filled with helpless anger and confusion. He whispered to himself. I tried to do everything right, but still, everyone laughs. What do they want from me? At that moment, an old man sitting under a tree. Peter looked up. The old man’s eyes were calm, full of wisdom. His clothes were simple, his face wrinkled, but peaceful. Peter walked to him slowly. the old man said softly. You tried to please everyone, but tell me, did you feel peace in any of your choices? Peter shook his head. No, sir. Every time I listen to people, I only felt more confused. The old man smiled. That is because you were trying to be right in everyone’s eyes, not wise in your own heart. Peter frowned, confused. What do you mean? The old man pointed at the donkey who was quietly eating some grass nearby. Look at that donkey. It does not care what people say. It only follows the one who leads it with calmness and purpose. The problem is not what others say, but how quickly you change your direction because of their voices. Peter listened silently. Something inside him began to shift. A deep silence filled his mind. “How do I become wise, sir?” he asked quietly. The old man smiled. “By listening more and reacting less. By knowing that peace is more valuable than pride. The laughter of people around still echoed in the distance, but it no longer hurt. “Thank you, sir,” he said. “I think today I have learned something I will remember forever.” The old man nodded. Remember, my son. Wisdom begins when you stop fighting to be right. Peter smiled faintly, patted the donkey’s head, and walked ahead. This time with peace in his heart, and no need to prove anything to anyone. In life, we meet many people. Some will judge, some will laugh, and some will try to guide. But the truth is your peace does not depend on their approval. Being right is about ego. Being wise is about understanding. The world may not always clap for your silence. But peace will always stand beside you when you choose wisdom over pride. So next time someone laughs at your way of doing things, smile quietly and say to yourself, “I am not here to be right for everyone. I am here to be wise for myself.” Do not waste your life proving others wrong. Spend it learning how to be peaceful, calm, and wise, even when the world misunderstands you.