A boat docked in the mirror images of blue sky and sea by a tiny Mexican fishing village and a rich American tourist admired and complimented a Mexican fisherman on the quality of his fish.

"How long did it take you to catch them?" he asked.

"Not so long," answered the fisherman.

"Then why didn't you stay out longer and catch more?" asked the American.

"But, senor: this is all I need to meet the needs of my family."

The American asked, "But what do you do with the rest of your time?"

"I sleep late, catch a few fish, play with my children, and take siesta with my wife. In the evenings, I go into the village to have a few drinks with my friends, play the guitar, and sing a few songs. I have a full life."

The American replied, "Look, I have an MBA from Harvard. Let me help you! Start by fishing longer every day so you can sell the extra fish. Use that extra income to buy a bigger boat. The bigger boat will make you more money, so you can buy another boat and a third and so forth until you have an entire fleet! Then you'll be able to cut your own deal directly with a big fish processor. Continue to grow until you open your own plant. Then you can leave this village and move to Mexico City, Los Angeles, or even New York City! Then you can run your business from there."

"How long would that take?" asked the Mexican.

"Twenty, maybe thirty years."

"And then?"

"Then? That's when things get really good. When your business is huge, you sell its stock and make millions!"

"Millions? Really? And then?"

"Then you'll be able to retire to a tiny village near the sea, sleep late, catch a few fish, play with your children, take siesta with your wife, and spend your evenings drinking and enjoying your friends!”

© 2006 R. Leland Waldrip