In the bustling town where Nasruddin resided, his wisdom was a beacon to many. On one particular day, a neighbor approached him, burdened with worry. “Nasruddin, our small home is bursting at the seams – my wife, three children, mother-in-law, and I are constantly under each other’s feet. What should we do?”
Nasruddin pondered briefly before inquiring, “Do you own chickens that roam your garden?”
Taken aback, the man replied, “Yes, ten of them.”
“Invite them inside your home,” suggested Nasruddin.
“But our quarters are already so confined!” protested the man.
“Trust my counsel,” Nasruddin calmly insisted.
Driven by his plight, the neighbor heeded the advice. Days later, he returned to Nasruddin, more harried than before. “Our living conditions have deteriorated with the chickens indoors!”
“Do you possess a donkey?” asked Nasruddin next.
“I do,” the neighbor answered reluctantly.
“Bring the donkey into your home as well,” was Nasruddin’s next piece of guidance.
Despite his shock, the neighbor eventually acquiesced. Yet, after another few days, he stood before Nasruddin again, utterly overwhelmed. “The donkey, the chickens – it’s chaos! We’re tripping over each other!”
“And a goat?” quizzed Nasruddin.
“Yes, but...”
“Bring in the goat too,” interrupted Nasruddin.
Infuriated yet strangely compelled, the neighbor followed through. The following day, at wit’s end, he threatened to unleash his family’s ire upon Nasruddin.
“Good,” Nasruddin said calmly. “Now remove all the animals from your home.”
With a heavy but hopeful heart, the neighbor did as advised. When they next met, Nasruddin encountered a different man – one radiant with joy.
“How do you fare now?” inquired Nasruddin.
“Wonderfully!”" exclaimed the neighbor. “Our home feels like a palace without the animals. Peace has returned, and we’ve never been more content!”
And with a knowing smile, Nasruddin continued on his way.
Mulla Nasruddin and the Crowded House