1, #82 - The Fisherman & The Businessman
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I heard this story years ago and think about it all the time:
An American businessman was at the pier of a small coastal Mexican village when a fisherman docked with three large yellowfin tuna in his boat. The American praised the fish and asked how long it took to catch them.
"Only a little while," the fisherman replied.
"Why not catch more?" the American asked.
"I have enough to support my family."
"What do you do with the rest of your time?"
"I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, take siestas with my wife, and stroll to the village each evening to sip wine and play guitar with my amigos. I have a full and busy life," said the fisherman.
The American scoffed. “I have an MBA. I can help. Spend more time fishing so you can buy a bigger boat, then several boats, eventually a fleet. Sell directly to the processor, open a cannery, control the product and distribution. Move to Mexico City, then LA, and finally New York City to run your enterprise.”
"How long will this take?" asked the fisherman.
“15 to 20 years.”
"But then what?"
The American laughed. “That’s the best part. Eventually, you could IPO your company, sell stock to the public, and become very rich. You’d make millions.”
“Millions? Then what?”
“Then you retire! Move to a small coastal village, sleep late, fish a little, play with your kids, take siestas with your wife, and stroll to the village in the evenings to sip wine and play guitar with your amigos.”
Story originally by Heinrich Böll, abridged by me.
Always a good reminder.