“Everyone chases after happiness, not noticing that happiness is right at their heels.” –Bertolt Brecht
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One day a fisherman was lying on a beautiful beach, with his fishing pole propped up in the sand and his solitary line cast out into the sparkling blue surf. He was enjoying the warmth of the afternoon sun and the prospect of catching a fish.
About that time, a businessman came walking down the beach trying to relieve some of the stress of his workday. He noticed the fisherman sitting on the beach and decided to find out why this fisherman was fishing instead of working harder to make a living for himself and his family. “You aren’t going to catch many fish that way,” said the businessman. “You should be working rather than lying on the beach!”
The fisherman looked up at the businessman, smiled and replied, “And what will my reward be?”
“Well, you can get bigger nets and catch more fish!” was the businessman’s answer.
“And then what will my reward be?” asked the fisherman, still smiling.
The businessman replied, “You will make money and you’ll be able to buy a boat, which will then result in larger catches of fish!”
“And then what will my reward be?” asked the fisherman again.
The businessman was beginning to get a little irritated with the fisherman’s questions. “You can buy a bigger boat, and hire some people to work for you!” he said.
“And then what will my reward be?” repeated the fisherman.
The businessman was getting angry. “Don’t you understand? You can build up a fleet of fishing boats, sail all over the world, and let all your employees catch fish for you!”
Once again the fisherman asked, “And then what will my reward be?”
The businessman was red with rage and shouted at the fisherman, “Don’t you understand that you can become so rich that you will never have to work for your living again! You can spend all the rest of your days sitting on this beach, looking at the sunset. You won’t have a care in the world!”
The fisherman, still smiling, looked up and said, “And what do you think I’m doing right now?”
Story: Heinrich Boll
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There is a beautiful life of simplicity calling out to those who will listen. It invites us to live the life we were born to live, not the life our neighbor is seeking to achieve. Simplicity invites us to pursue the things we value most, not the values of billboards and magazines. It invites us to remove the distractions that keep us from living and enjoying life to the fullest.
When we stop chasing the world’s definition of happiness, we begin to recognize the decision to experience happiness has been right in front of us all along.
Image: iwan pribadi
Dan Steely says
what I love is all these online zombies with their iPhones saying “Oh yeah, I love the life of simplicity.”
Reminds me of the song “Only a fool would say that” by Steely Dan. And before you flame this post its worth reading the lyric to that song.
Jim Connolly says
Loved your post and reminded me of the great saying ‘a fool speaks when he has to say something, a wise man, when he has something to say’
kimberly brown says
Thank you!!!
I read this on your site the other week, went to look for it again… couldn’t find it for anything.
This story is going up in my shop! After purchasing more kayaks, keeping them sold out folks tell me ‘ MORE!’. I’m good thank you.
Why is a simplistic lifestyle so hard to accept?
I’m not interested in being rich, don’t want more stuff, etc. Absolutely love my life, our small surroundings & being able to do what I like.
Share some kindness & a smile folks!
Vic says
so true!
Jim says
nice story, I’ve got a friend that doesn’t get caught up in having a materialist life. My wife calls them gypsys’ lol because they seem to be free to do what they want to do without obligation, or things holdin them back. I’ve often ponderd how my things and the pursuit of more things have kept me working, and not free to do what I really want to. And be calm enough to enjoy the things and people that really matter.
Jim
Jessica says
It’s true fear and anxiety … I would quit my job but I’m pregnant and have excuses as to why I should stay… (Health & life Insurance , money, Medicaid won’t cover giving birth)… It’s tough to be a single mother and take a step into nothing when you have another life depending on you to live… I need some guidance
Michane says
Yes many people are struggling to cover for food, clothes, a roof over head & never ending bills.
It’s the change in society nowadays that render us constantly worrying of our living expenses but I guess u can start with the control of your mind by stopping your worry first..
Wake up each day with gratitude that you’re still alive. And start by praying (if you have a religion with a good philosophy)
U will find that the universe will send help to you in the most unimaginable ways!
chuck says
Not trying to down the blog but realistically..
One would have to secure housing, food, util bills..etc before enjoying the day at the beach. How does this story apply to the countless homeless individuals or the massive amount of people that are unemployed? Their days are always trying to fish for survival.. not to enjoy the sun/beach.
This story only applies to people that are somewhat established financially.
Jessica says
I haven’t read a blog since i last stopped writing a few months ago in mine…
Your post stand out so much, and they are reminding me of what I was trying to communicate to others in my blog. You’re obviously much more talented in story telling and persuasive writing. It sounds so sincere and simple the way it should be.
If you can take quick look at my blog and leave some feedback, I’d greatly appreciate it. I need some inspiration. :)
Atreides83 says
While I fully agree that chasing after happiness is foolish (happiness is always a byproduct), this 1-sided story always bugs me.
The businessman who works hard initially and saves up for a life of leisure is in a very different position to the fisherman doing it from the start. When hardships, unexpected expenses, new expenses (e.g. a family), disaster or just general life come along, the business man is prepared and can continue his lifestyle as normal. The layabout has nothing to fall back on and will have to endure great hardship and probably lament his previous idleness.
That said, it is important to not get too focused on saving up for a future that may never come. A balance is required, and this story is heavily lopsided.
Mark Adam Douglass (Minimalist Couple) says
This is a fabulous story. I was once like the business man, but now live more like the fisherman. And we have moved to lived near the beach, only a couple of hundred metres away, so that we can enjoy the beach each and every day.
Ciara Conlon says
I had a great opportunity to teach this lesson to my seven year old recently. He said why can’t we be rich so I can have everything I want. So I asked him what he wanted and he told me the name of a toy. But aren’t you getting that for your birthday I asked. Oh yes he said but if we were really rich I could have it now and have everything I wanted. No you couldn’t I reminded him because then you would be spoilt! So I suppose I already have what I want and what I can have he said and continued playing.
Michane says
Nice response Ciara! ?
Great job for taking a child in hand well! ??????