To What End?

I was reminded of this parable recently.

It illustrates one of the most important lessons about life that I know.

A businessman was at the pier of a coastal village when a small boat with one fisherman docked. Inside the small boat were several large fish. The businessman complimented the fisherman on the quality of his fish and this was the ensuing conversation. 

Businessman: “How long did it take to catch them?”

Fisherman: “Only a little while.”

Businessman: ”Why didn’t you stay out longer and catch more fish? 

Fisherman: “This is enough for my friends and family to eat plus a little to sell.”

Businessman: “But what do you do with the rest of your time?”

Fisherman: “I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, spend time with friends, take naps, go on long walks with my wife…I have a full and busy life.”

Businessman: “I could help you! You should spend more time fishing and, with the proceeds, buy a bigger boat. With the proceeds from the bigger boat, you could buy several boats, eventually you would have a fleet of fishing boats. Instead of selling your catch to a middleman you would sell directly to the processor, eventually opening your own cannery. You would control the product, processing, and distribution. You would need to leave this small coastal fishing village and move to the city where you could run your expanding enterprise.”

Fisherman: “Then what?”

The businessman laughed, “That’s the best part. When the time is right you would announce an IPO and sell your company stock to the public and become very rich, you would make millions!”

Fisherman: “Millions – then what?”

Businessman: “Then you would retire. Move to a small coastal fishing village where you would sleep late, fish a little, play with your kids, relax with friends, take naps, and enjoy long walks with your wife.”