Less Is More

Often, we are much closer to where we want to be than we think. And nowhere is this better exemplified than in the tale of the tourist and the fisherman. Read this and consider: How much of what you want do you actually already have?

 

Once upon a time, a boat docked in a tiny fishing village. A wealthy tourist, standing on the dock, complimented the fisherman on the quality of his fish and asked how long it took him to catch them.

 

“Not that long,” answered the fisherman.

 

“Well, why did you not stay out there longer and catch more?” asked the tourist.

 

The fisherman explained that his small catch was sufficient to meet his needs and those of his family.

 

The tourist asked, “But what do you do with the rest of your time?”

 

“I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children and spend time with my wife. In the evenings I go into the village and see my friends, play the guitar and sing a few songs…I have a full life and I am happy.”

 

The tourist interrupted, “I have degrees in both business and economics, so I can help you to achieve great success. You should start by fishing longer each day. You can then sell the extra fish you catch. With the extra income, you can buy a bigger boat.

 

“And after that?” asked the fisherman.

 

“With the extra money that a bigger boat will bring, you can buy a second one and a third one and so on, until you have an entire fleet of fishing boats,” said the tourist excitedly.

 

“Instead of selling fish to a middle-man, you can then negotiate directly with the processing plants and maybe even open your own plant. You can then leave this little village and move to the main city, where you can direct your huge new enterprise.”

 

“How long would that take?” asked the fisherman.

 

“Ten, perhaps fifteen years,” replied the tourist.

 

“And after that?” asked the fisherman.

 

“Afterwards? Well my friend, that’s when it gets really interesting,” answered the tourist, laughing. “When your business gets really big, you can start selling stocks and make millions.”

 

“Millions?” exclaimed the fisherman, “Really? And after that?”

 

“After that, you will be able to retire to the coast,” replied the tourist with a knowing smile. “You will be able to live in a tiny village, away from the stress and the noise. You will be able to sleep late, play with your children and spend time with your wife. You will be able to spend your days fishing, and your evenings with your friends. You will be happy.”

 

The fisherman smiled. “But I already am,” he said.