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.

What the words are saying

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.

Everyday example

An organiser chooses a meeting time after checking essential access requirements and explains why it cannot match every member’s preferred hour.

When to use it

Use it when conflicting preferences make a promise of universal satisfaction unrealistic.

Agent-assisted editorial interpretation. This explains the words; it does not by itself verify their author or earliest origin.