El zapatero y el rey

"El zapatero y el rey" is a popular Spanish fable about humility and perspective. It tells of a shoemaker who, after completing a pair of shoes, criticizes a passing king’s footwear. The king, amused by the shoemaker’s boldness, invites him to the palace. There, the shoemaker sees the king's luxurious shoes and realizes the importance of humility. The story highlights how perspective varies—what seems insignificant to some can be essential to others—and underscores the value of knowing one’s place and remaining humble regardless of social status.