Self-reliance is the main course of study at the Old School. And, being self-reliant and pursuing simplicity go hand in hand in the Damsel’s eyes. She’s always wishing she could take it down a level. Let’s just say some days go better than others when it comes to avoiding the crazy.
Yesterday at church, the speaker told the Parable of the Mexican Fisherman. It struck a chord with the Damsel, and not just because she was sitting on the organ bench. Apparently this story has been around a while, but this was the first time the Damsel had heard it. She thought it would make a great “field trip” post for the Old School. Pardon the length, and please comment if you know an attribution.
An American businessman 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 yellow fin 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 siesta with my wife, Maria, stroll into the village each evening where I sip wine and play guitar with my amigos, I have a full and busy life, senor.”
The American scoffed, “I am a Harvard MBA and 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 Mexico City, then LA and eventually NYC where you will run your expanding enterprise.”
The Mexican fisherman asked, “But senor, how long will this all take?”
To which the American replied, “15-20 years.”
“But what then, senor?”
The American laughed and said “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.”
“Millions, senor? Then what?”
The American said, “Then you would retire. Move to a small coastal fishing village where you would sleep late, fish a little, play with your kids, take siesta with your wife, stroll to the village in the evenings where you could sip wine and play your guitar with your amigos.”
how loverly to do it early! Nope…never heard that one before! Thank you for sharing.
Never heard it before, but I like it.
I need to play more and hang out with my amigos! We are all busy striving to find that peaceful place arent we?
I know right . You might like to read this post http://markandsueheugly.blogspot.com/2010/01/new-word-for-2010.html she is an online friend who is fun and wise and her new word for 2010 is ‘enough’
lovely blog you have
That’s great if you only want to drink wine and eat fish all your life!
(Pleh!) But it’s a point made nonetheless! 
I LOVE this story. I heard it years ago and had forgotten what a little gem it is. I may have to borrow it and share it with my college students some night. Thanks!
I just found your blog and so enjoyed this post. I look forward to reading more.
What a great story! My kids haven’t been to Disneyland- it’s more than we can afford on one income. But they have had a Mom available for local adventure days on a random Tuesday afternoon. I hope the many small things I’ve been able to give with my time and of myself will make up for the big things money buys but they’ve missed out on.
Great post!
That is an excellent story.
I heard this one not too long ago. Reminds me of a quote I read recently about seeking when you need something but when you have enough, to stop.
This is so true! I love love love this!!