by Ryan H. Law
The parable of the Mexican fisherman is a story that is frequently shared because it reminds us of what is most important.
I don’t know who first wrote it – there have been various versions of it over the years, but the lessons about simplicity, gratitude, and enjoying life now are invaluable. Here is the story.
The Parable of the Mexican Fisherman
An American investment banker was at the pier of a small coastal Mexican village when a small boat with just one fisherman docked. Inside the small boat were several large yellowfin tuna. The American complimented the Mexican on the quality of his fish and asked how long it took to catch them.
The Mexican replied, “only a little while.”
The American then asked why didn’t he stay out longer and catch more fish?
The Mexican said he had enough to support his family’s immediate needs.
The American then asked, “but what do you do with the rest of your time?”
The Mexican fisherman said, “I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, take siestas with my wife, Maria, and stroll into the village each evening where I sip wine, and play guitar with my amigos. I have a full and busy life.”
The American scoffed. “I have an MBA from Harvard, and can help you,” he said. “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, and eventually you would have a fleet of fishing boats. Instead of selling your catch to a middle-man, you could sell directly to the processor, eventually opening up your own cannery. You could control the product, processing, and distribution,” he said. “Of course, you would need to leave this small coastal fishing village and move to Mexico City, then Los Angeles, and eventually to New York City, where you will run your expanding enterprise.”
The Mexican fisherman asked, “But, how long will this all take?”
To which the American replied, “Oh, 15 to 20 years or so.”
“But what then?” asked the Mexican.
The American laughed and said, “That’s the best part. When the time was right, you would announce an IPO, and sell your company stock to the public and become very rich. You would make millions!”
“Millions – then what?”
The American said, “Then you could retire. Move to a small coastal fishing village where you could sleep late, fish a little, play with your kids, take siestas with your wife, and stroll to the village in the evenings where you could sip wine and play guitar with your amigos.”
Ryan’s thoughts
I’ll admit it – this little parable convicts my conscience. I spend a lot of time working. I try to spend a lot of time with my family, but the pursuit of “more” and “bigger” often takes over. More house, more vacations, more eating out, etc. It’s a never ending pursuit. There is nothing inherently wrong with wanting more – it’s human nature.
It’s important to think about what our pursuit of “more” and “bigger” is costing, though.
Are we more like the investment banker, or the fisherman?
Why are we pushing for more, more, more all the time?
The only criticism of the story is that the fisherman would be wise to set aside some funds for a “rainy day” when he can’t fish.
ACTION STEP
- Are you more like the investment banker or the fisherman? What steps do you need to take to move more in the direction you want to be in?
Images in this post are licensed by Ingram Image – Stock Photo Secrets (AFF).
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