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What’s up guys!
So yesterday, MrsFrugalSamurai and I went out to celebrate a birthday lunch with some old friends.
It was great to get outdoors, and see their everyone’s faces again – albeit with the smoke haze from the bushfires still lingering.
A short aside – but for our international friends who are unaware, Sydney has been shrouded in smog for the last few weeks as our brave firefighters battle the raging fires… spare a thought for those who are in the thick of it.
Anyhow, smoke or no smoke, life still goes on.
So it came that we found ourselves sitting in a venue which was definitely a place “to be seen and heard”.
You know, all Hamptons and designer frocks and subtle brands encrusted with make-up.
Personally, it wasn’t really my type of venue.
But a Vietnamese Pork Roll bakery is certainly no place to celebrate a birthday.
Looking around though, I couldn’t help being reminded of the story about “The Parable of the Mexican Fisherman”.
You don’t know it? Well it’s about…
The Parable
An American investment banker was at the pier of a small coastal Mexican village when a small boat with just one fisherman docked.
Inside the small 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 said, “I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, take siestas with my wife, Maria, and 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 an MBA from Harvard, and can help you,” he said. “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 middle-man, you could sell directly to the processor, eventually opening up your own cannery. You could control the product, processing, and distribution”.
“Of course, you would need to leave this small coastal fishing village and move to Mexico City, then Los Angeles, and eventually to New York City, where you will run your expanding enterprise.”
The Mexican fisherman asked, “But, how long will this all take?”
To which the American replied, “Oh, 15 to 20 years or so.”
“But 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 – then what?”
The American said, “Then you could retire. Move to a small coastal fishing village where you could sleep late, fish a little, play with your kids, take siestas with your wife, and stroll to the village in the evenings where you could sip wine and play guitar with your amigos.”
Amazing
I know right!
I love this story, and sincerely thank the author (unknown) who composed it.
Because it bring clarity and cuts through all the BS regarding what personal finance is all about…
… And what it’s all NOT about.
It’s also spot on with the illusions and delusions of wealth each one of us is prone to when pursuing wealth and financial freedom.
When we forget that the end game should be happiness and a fulfilling life, with our nearest and dearest.
Freedom
Truth be told, I was thinking about this as I was chewing on another piece of slow-roasted chicken.
It doesn’t take a lot of money to be living a full and rewarding life, but it does take freedom.
Freedom to be able to choose how you live your life.
Freedom to be able to spend your time exactly as you want it.
Freedom to be able to be happy.
It’s such a simple message, but is so often forgotten!
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40 Comments
Cindy
That was a very intriguing parable, but I can’t help thinking of the Mexican and his family’s future, i.e medical expenses, what happens when he dies and isn’t able to provide for his family, etc. Saving money is good, too.
The Frugal Samurai
Great point Cindy and to be honest… I didn’t really think of it either. I guess it’s a take it as you come kind of thing?
Krysten Quiles
I really needed this so much today. Thank you so much for sharing this with all of us!
The Frugal Samurai
No problem and all the best Krysten – hope your day went better!
Crickette, The Things I Have to Say
There’s too much corruption in my country and sometimes I think a lot about the level of greed people can manage. I often wonder what motivates them to do want so much.
Greed is a very evil thing.
I need money too, I won’t be a hypocrite. And sometimes I fantasize about winning the lottery because that would be so nice. But I don’t aspire to have too much. When I think about money and my life I really only wish to be comfortable. I want a comfortable life where I can afford both my needs and wants. But I don’t really need too much.
The Frugal Samurai
Yes I feel like that’s a problem Crikette – our love of money as opposed to love for ourselves and each other. What can you do though? That’s how society is today (cynical view). But there are many who are like you and I! Just want to be comfortable and live simple, happy lives right? We aren’t asking for much!
Angela
I so agree with this. Freedom is about being able to make your own choices about what makes a good life. We don’t all want the same things in life and we don’t all need to be chasing the same goals.
The Frugal Samurai
Thanks Angela, and very much think you’ve nailed it down. Why impose your point of view onto someone else, just do what makes you happy right!
Lyosha
Great story. and I agree: sometimes we take a very hard and long path to get something we might easily have in hand if want it
The Frugal Samurai
You said it Lyosha, I think that pretty much sums up life really, for most of us – chase something which is irrelevant until we realize that what is relevant is in front of us the whole time!
Allison
Very interesting. Thanks for sharing
The Frugal Samurai
No problem, thanks for reading Allison!
Samar
Completely agreed with the blog post and the above comments.
Freedom is something which is absolutely important and basic necessity of life.
Thanks for the wonderful article.
The Frugal Samurai
Thanks for reading Samar and that you agree with me!
Melanie Frost
I get the story, but it sounds like the fisherman does not think about the future. For me, this is dangerous. We may not need to be rich to be happy, but money brings security. And security makes us happy.
The Frugal Samurai
Oh yes Melanie, very prudent of you to say so – although I think it’s more about living in the moment rather than chasing what is already in front of you – but I get ya, be interesting to see how he goes on later in life right!
Karen
Indeed a great parable. Thanks for sharing
The Frugal Samurai
No problem, thanks for reading Karen!
Renata Feyen
We all have different views on what we need to do in order to be happy 🙂
The Frugal Samurai
Haha yes, horses for courses right! No need to impose any one view on any one else!
Danielle
This was an interesting read and really made me think. Thank you for sharing.
The Frugal Samurai
No problem, glad it made you think Danielle!
Gervin Khan
This is such a beautiful and very inspiring post. This article shows us and open our mind that money is not the only the reason that can make people happy but also a FREEDOM to choose for the things and the life that can make us happy.
The Frugal Samurai
SPOT on. Money is certainly not the end goal and nor should it be, I was reading Warren Buffet’s autobiography and even he admits that he was so focused on making money when he was younger, it might have cost him in other ways! Thanks for reading Gervin!
Razena
I read the parable of the Mexican fisherman a few years ago and it gave me an entire new perspective on how to spend the rest of my life. I now focus more on what makes me happy than work and accumulating material things.
The Frugal Samurai
That is very wise Razena! And very true – just do what makes you happy right? No point in doing things which we don’t really need or want!
tweenselmom
I agree, wealth is nothing if you don’t have anyone to share it with.
The Frugal Samurai
Too true!
Alyx B
You are so right! It shouldn’t take a lot of money to live in happiness, but it does take freedom. And I think people do forget this! So thank you for reminding me! I needed this!
The Frugal Samurai
No problem Alyx, thanks for saying so and glad it connected with ya – keep up your blog as well!
Farah Al Zadjaly
The deepth and energy from this is beautiful … The truth speaks. I really enjoyed reading this.
The Frugal Samurai
Thank you Farah, glad you enjoyed it and it resonated strongly with you!
Khushboo Motihar
Such a beautiful parable. I have heard of something similar in India about a tribal and a city guy. I loved the lesson it teaches all of us 🙂
The Frugal Samurai
Is that so? How does that story go like, please share Khushboo!
Akriti
There is so much corruption everywhere. I think all of us need to read this.
The Frugal Samurai
Well… I wouldn’t say it’s everywhere Akriti, although yes, there is a fair amount going on. But I DO agree – everyone should read this!
Margaret | Live Like No On Else
My favorite parable. I wrote about it too a few years back. And think about it all the time. And yes, It’s important to consider so that you keep what’s important in the forefront, but there’s nothing wrong with wanting to achieve success…but like you said, “to what end?” It’s not to be wealthy, but what that financial independence can do for your and your family!
The Frugal Samurai
Yay! I agree with you completely Margaret… maybe cos you are agreeing with what I said, but also maybe because you speak TRUTH. The message is very important, and timely as well!
CaptainFI
One of my favourite stories!
The Frugal Samurai
Thanks Captain!