19/12/2025
When is more and more enough?
The modern capitalist, materialistic world is built on Alexander the Great philosophy.
More, more and more.
Does the quest for more โobstruct your sunlightโ?
Perhaps, the cynic was right...
A story is told of a poor Mexican fisherman.
He lived by the sea and owned a small wooden boat.
Every morning, he would go out before sunrise, fish, and return with enough fish to feed his family.
A simple and content life. Possibly, a distant cousin of Diogenes
One day, a wealthy merchant sailed past the shore in a large boat. Seeing the fisherman resting, the merchant asked,
โWhy donโt you fish longer and catch more?โ
The fisherman replied,
โI caught enough for today. Why would I need more?โ
The merchant laughed and said,
โIf you fish more, you could buy a bigger boat. With a bigger boat, you could catch more fish, earn more money, buy many boats, and become very rich.โ
The fisherman smiled and asked,
โAnd then what?โ
The merchant answered proudly,
โThen you could relax, rest, and enjoy life.โ
The fisherman looked at the sea, stretched in the sun, and said,
โBut that is exactly what I am doing now.โ
Is there a moral lesson from the story?
Itโs hard to tell, or is it?
Perchance you are the merchant: more and more is boon.
Perchance you are the fisherman: more and more is bane