This story , adapted from“Anekdote zur Senkung der Arbeitsmoral,”(“Anecdote Concerning the Lowering of Productivity ” ) is one of the most notable short stories from German author Heinrich Böll .
It ’s one little story with a lot of meaningful lessons that mean many different thing to all variety of people .
For me , it ’s an authentic reminder that felicity is experience simply … and happiness does n’t have to hold off until retirement . Your first 67 years are too wanted for that .
The Parable of the Mexican Fisherman
An American executive was taking a much - needed vacation in a Mexican coastal village when a small boat with just one fisher docked . Inside the little boat were several large yellowfin tuna .
The American compliment the Mexican fisher on the quality of his Pisces and inquire how long it took him to catch them .
“ Not very long , ” answer the Mexican .
“ But then , why did n’t you continue out longer and catch more ? ” demand the American .
The Mexican explained that his belittled collar was sufficient to meet his needs and those of his family .
The American ask , “ But what do you do with the ease of your time ? ”
“ I sleep late , angle a little , take on with my small fry , and take a siesta with my married woman . In the evening , I go into the Greenwich Village to see my Quaker , have a few drunkenness , play the guitar , and talk a few songs … I have a interfering and full life . ”
The American interrupted , “ I have an MBA from Harvard and I can help you ! You should start by fish longer every mean solar day . you may then sell the supernumerary fish you overtake . With the extra revenue , you could bribe a bigger gravy holder . ”
“ And after that ? ” enquire the Mexican .
“ With the special money the larger boat will wreak , you may 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 military personnel , you’re able to then negotiate directly with the processing plant and perhaps even open your own plant .
you may then leave this little Greenwich Village and move to Mexico City , Los Angeles , or even New York City ! From there you could direct your huge new go-ahead . ”
“ How long would that take ? ” ask the Mexican .
“ Twenty , perhaps 25 years , ” answer the American .
“ And after that ? ” the Mexican asked .
“ Afterwards ? That ’s when it gets really interesting , ” fix the American , laughing . “ When your commercial enterprise cause really adult , you could set about selling stocks and make millions ! ”
“ Millions ? Really ? And after that ? ”
“ After that you ’ll be able to pull back , subsist in a tiny village near the coast , log Z’s late , play with your children , catch a few Pisces , take a siesta with your married woman , and spend your evenings wassail and enjoying your Quaker . ”
