Given the unprecedented mounds of crap heaped upon us from America’s CEO/Dictator, Donald Trump, this year, we wanted to end this most craptacular of years on a positive note.

We’re presenting here The Fisherman Story. Various versions of it have made the rounds on the Internet for the last twenty years. It’s a simple story with a powerful message that forces each and every greedy, materialistic, ultra-competitive, consumer addicted American to reevaluate one’s life and take inventory about what’s really important. Like Henry David Thoreau stated back in the 1840s: we need to simplify, simplify. Also feel free to buy a Simplify, Simplify t-shirt, sticker or mug to support this site.

The Fisherman Story
Author Unknown

A small fishing boat docked in a tiny, picturesque Mexican village.

A passing 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 fisherman explained that his small catch was sufficient to meet his simple needs and those of his family.

The American asked, “But what do you do with all your time?”

“I sleep late, fish a little, help my wife around the house, play with my children and teach them things, and take a siesta in the afternoon. In the evenings, I go into the village to see my friends, have a few drinks, play the guitar, and sing some 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. You can then sell the extra fish you catch. 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 even 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 fisherman.

“Twenty, perhaps twenty-five years,” replied the American.

“And after that?”

“Afterwards? Well, that’s when it gets really interesting,” answered the American, laughing. “When your business gets really big, you can start selling stock and make millions!”

“Millions? Really? And after that?”

“After that — and this is the best part — you’ll be able to retire, live in a tiny village near the coast, sleep late, catch a few fish, take a siesta, and spend your evenings singing, drinking and enjoying your friends!”