Here’s a well-known Mexican parable: The Parable of the Fisherman and the Businessman.

A businessman was vacationing in a small Mexican fishing village when he noticed a local fisherman docking his boat with a small catch of fish. The businessman asked, “How long did it take you to catch these fish?”

“Just a little while,” the fisherman replied.

“Why don’t you stay out longer and catch more?” the businessman asked.

“I have enough to support my family’s needs,” the fisherman said.

“But what do you do with the rest of your time?” the businessman pressed.

The fisherman smiled. “I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, take a siesta with my wife, and in the evening, I stroll into the village, sip wine, and play guitar with my friends. I have a full and happy life.”

The businessman scoffed. “I have an MBA! I can help you. You should fish longer, sell more, buy a bigger boat, then a fleet! You could move to the city, start a company, and eventually sell it for millions!”

“And then what?” the fisherman asked.

“Then, you could retire, move to a small village, sleep late, fish a little, play with your kids, take siestas with your wife, and sip wine while playing guitar with your friends.”

The fisherman just smiled and walked away.

Moral of the Story This parable teaches the value of simplicity, contentment, and questioning the endless pursuit of wealth. Sometimes, we already have the happiness we seek—we just don’t realize it.

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