The Fishing Story

This story is about an investment banker and the fisherman.
Stay tuned and enjoy!

One day, an investment banker was at the pier of a small coastal village when a small boat with just one fisherman docked. Inside the small boat were several large yellow fin tuna.

The banker complimented the fisherman on the quality of his fish and asked how long it took to catch them?

Fisherman: Oh, only a little while

Banker: Why didn't you stay out longer and catch more fish?

Fisherman: With this I have more than enough to support my family needs.

Banker: But what do you do with the rest of your time?

Fisherman: Well, I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, go for walks with my wife, stroll into the village each evening where I sip wine and play guitar with my friends. As you can see, I have a full and busy life! Banker: (Scoffed at the fisherman) I am a Harvard MBA and I can 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 more 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 the capital city. After that, who knows, maybe you could take the world!

Fisherman: But, how long will this all take?

Banker: I'd say, about 15 to 20 years.

Fisherman: But what then?

Banker: (Laughed at the fisherman) 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!!!

Fisherman: Millions?...Then what?

Banker: Then you would retire. Move to a small coastal fisher village where you would sleep late, fish a little, play with your kids, go for romantic walks with your wife, sip wine in evenings, then play guitar and sing songs with your friends!

Fisherman: Now, isn't that strange? Isn't that what I'm doing now?


Moral of the story:
In the midst of trying to earn more money and creating your tower of wealth, do not neglect people, especially your family. In this CNY season, let's bring God's blessings to our family, relatives and friends. Be the child of God who honours, respects and love people.

There's no right timing. The right time is...now!

With this, Happy Chinese New Year 2009!!!

Love God, Love People! Adapted from The Star 19 Jan 2009.