Thread by @SahilBloom

As we strive for success, we mustn't lose sight of what is truly important along the way.

The parable of the fisherman and the investment banker: on life, career, business, and finding purpose...

A wealthy investment banker goes on vacation to a tropical fishing village.

As he walked along the docks one afternoon, he came upon a small, run-down fishing boat with several large fish on its deck.

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

The fisherman looked up from his work and smiled at his new visitor.

"Only a little while."

The investment banker was caught off guard by this response.

He liked the fisherman and wanted to help.

"Why don't you fish for longer so you can catch more fish?"

The fisherman shrugged and explained to his new friend that he had all he needed.

"Each day, I sleep late, fish a little, and spend time with my children and beautiful wife. In the evening, I go into town, drink wine, play the guitar, and sing and laugh with my friends."

The investment banker was puzzled.

He wanted to help his new friend, who he recognized was clearly confused.

The investment banker had helped many businesses and had an MBA and other fancy credentials to his name.

So he laid out a plan for the fisherman...

"First, you spend more time fishing, so you can catch and sell more fish. You use the proceeds to buy a bigger boat, which allows you to catch and sell even more fish."

The fisherman listened intently, his face calm.

But the investment banker was just getting started...

"Then you buy a fleet of boats. You hire a team. Vertically integrate. As CEO of a large, growing enterprise, you could move to the big city. You would take your company public and make millions!"

The fisherman looked confused, but smiled.

"And then what?" he asked.

The investment banker was shocked.

"Well, then you could retire to a quiet town! You could sleep late, fish a little, and spend time with your children and beautiful wife. In the evening, you could go into town, drink wine, play the guitar, and sing and laugh with your friends."

Not realizing the irony, the investment banker stood silent, waiting for the fisherman to express excitement with the plan.

The fisherman smiled broadly, thanked his new friend for the advice, and wandered off slowly into the warm afternoon sun.

This parable illustrates the importance of perspective and the precious nature of time.

As we strive for "success" in life, we mustn't lose sight of what is truly important to us.

So the next time you feel adrift, remember the story of the fisherman and the investment banker.

Sadly, the original author of this parable is unknown.

To the original author, whoever and wherever you are, thank you.

And a special thank you to my good friend @JackButcher for sending it to me.

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I have seen a lot of replies about whether the fisherman or the banker are “right” here.

The story isn’t about one person being right; rather, it is about personally identifying what “success” and purpose looks like to you, and then building a life that meets that definition.