Put In Perspective

[fun in the sun]

A boat docked in a tiny 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 villages to see my friends, have a few drinks, play the gituar, and sing a few songs... I have a full life." The American interrupted, "I have an MBA from Harvard and I can help you! You should start by fishing longer every day. 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 an entire fleet of trawlers. Instead of selling your fish to a middle man, you can negotiate directly with the processing plants and maybe open your own plant. You can then leave this little village and move to Mexico City, Los Angeles, or even New York City! From there you can direct your huge enterprise." "How long would that take?" asked the Mexican. "Twenty perhaps twenty five years." replied the American. "And after that?" "Afterwards? 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 and after that?" "After that you'll 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, and spend your evenings drinking and enjoying your friends!"

 

[donheff]

I love that story. It has been around for ages -- was written by Heinrick Böll in 1963 titled (translation) "Anecdote on the Decline of The Work Ethic". Great take on the work ethic and highly relevant to "what do you do all day?" It originally featured a fisherman in a small European fishing village. Ironically, I think I first came upon that story in some sort of management training - probably a section discussing work/life balance.

 

[fun in the sun]

donheff, I did not know the source of the article. I had put it in my file many years ago only to find it recently. My copy did not give aruthor or any background. It is a thought provoking take on life and work. Thanks,fun

 

[pb4uski]

Never heard that one, but I love it.