What You're Looking for May Be Right in Front of You
- Andy G.
- Jun 24, 2023
- 2 min read
In a fast-paced world where the pursuit of success often consumes our lives, it becomes crucial to recognize that what we truly seek may already be within our reach, if only we take a moment to slow down.
The timeless tale of The Mexican Fisherman serves as a poignant reminder of this profound truth.
Enjoy it!
An American investment banker was at the pier of a coastal Mexican village when a small boat with just one fisherman docked. Inside the 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 replied, “I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, take siestas with my wife, 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 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, and 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 New York City, where you will run your expanding enterprise.”
The Mexican fisherman asked, “How long will this take?”
To which the American replied, “15 – 20 years.”
“And what then?” Asked the Mexican.
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 – and 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 siestas with your wife, stroll to the village in the evenings where you could sip wine and play your guitar with your amigos.”
The story of the Mexican Fisherman is a traditional parable that has been passed down through generations, making it difficult to attribute it to a specific author.
It's been shared and retold in various forms by different storytellers over the years and offers valuable insights into living a fulfilling life.
I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did!
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