The Businessman vs Fisherman Story - Happiness, Wealth, Values, Time

A while ago a young businessman decided to take a on holiday in a tropical country. One day he was visiting a village near to the seaside. He saw a a little fishing boat docking at the quayside. He went closer and observing the quality of the fish, the businessman asked the fisherman how long it had taken to catch them.

“A couple of hours.” answered the fisherman.

“Then, why didn’t you stay out longer and catch more?” asked the businessman.

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

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

“I sleep as log as I want, I play with my children, have an afternoon’s rest under a coconut tree. In the evenings I see my friends, have a few beers, play the drums, and sing a few song. I have a full and happy life.” replied the fisherman.

The businessman said to the fisherman: “I have managed to get an expensive MBA back in USA and I could help you to be rich. You should start by fishing longer every day. You can then sell the extra fish you catch. With the extra revenue, you can buy a bigger boat. With the extra money the larger boat will bring, you can buy a second one and a third one and so on until you have a large fleet. Instead of selling your fish to a middleman, you can negotiate directly with the processing plants and maybe even open your own plant. You can then leave this little village and move to a big city here in USA, from where you can direct your huge enterprise.”

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

“Oh, ten, maybe twenty years.” replied the businessman.

“And after that?” asked the fisherman.

“After that? That’s when it gets really interesting,” answered the businessman , laughing, “When your business gets really big, you can start selling shares in your company and make millions or even more!”

“Millions? Really? And after that what'll happen?” the fisherman asked again.

“After that you’ll be able to retire, move out to a small village by the sea, sleep in late every day, spend time with your family, go fishing, take afternoon naps under a coconut tree, and spend relaxing evenings having drinks with friends.”

 The fisherman was puzzled and said to the businessman: “Well sir, Isn’t that what I am doing now?”