And Then.......?

I read this story a long time ago and just came across it again a few days ago.  It’s a wonderfully ironic example of how hard we think we need to work to make ensure that we end up with a simple and relaxing life.  I hope you enjoy it.

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A boat docked in a tina Mexican village.  An American tourist complimented the Mexican fisherman on the quality of his fish and asked how long it took him to catch them.

"Not very long," answered the Mexican.

"But then, why didn't you stay out longer and catch more?" asked the American,

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

The American asked, "But what do you do with the rest of your time?"

"I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children and take a siesta with my wife.  In the evenings I go into the village to see my friends, have a few drinks, play the guitar and sing a few songs,  I have a full life."

The American interrupted, "I have a MBA from Harvard and I can help you!  You should start by fishing longer every day.  You can the sell the extra fish you catch.  With the extra revenue you can buy a bigger boat."

"And after that?" asked the Mexican.

"With the extra money the larger boat with bring in, you can but a second and a third boat and so on until you have an entire fleet of trawlers.  Instead of selling your fish to a middle man, you can then negotiate directly with the processing plants and maybe even open your own plant.  You can leave this little village and move to Mexico City, Los Angeles or even New York City!  From there you can direct your huge new enterprise."

"How long would that take?' asked the Mexican.

"Twenty, perhaps twenty five years" replied the American.

"And after that?"

"Afterwards?  Well, my friend, that's when it gets really interesting," answered the American laughing.  "When your business gets really big, you can start selling stocks and make millions!

"Millions?  Really?  And after that?" said the Mexican.

"After that you will be able to retire, live in a tiny village near the coast, sleep late, play with your children, catch a few fish. take a siesta with your wife and spend your evenings drinking and enjoying your friends."

Slow down and enjoy life.  It’s not only the scenery you miss by going too fast – you also miss the sense of where you are going and why. – Eddie Cantor