One summer a capitalistic American businessman decided to take a short vacation in a small Mexican village on the coast.
He went for a stroll one evening and met a Mexican fisherman unloading his prized fish from his small boat.
The American was impressed and asked,
“How long did it take you catch these?”
“Only a short while.”
Replied the Mexican fisherman.
“So then why don’t you stay out longer and catch more?”
Queried the American businessman.
“I have enough to feed my family and then some more for friends too.”
The Mexican fisherman replied dutifully.
“Then what do you do all day?”
Asked the puzzled American businessman.
“I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, and take a siesta with my wife. In the evenings, I go into the village to see my friends, have a few drinks, play the guitar, and sing a few songs… I live a full and busy life senor!”
Replied the Mexican fisherman.
“Oh but you could do so much more! I have an MBA from Harvard and I can help you! You should start by fishing longer every day. You can then sell the extra fish you catch. With the extra revenue, you can buy a bigger boat.”
Announced the American businessman.
“Okay… and after that?”
Asked the Mexican fisherman.
“With the extra money the larger boat will bring, you can buy a second one and a third one and so on until you have an entire fleet of trawlers.
Instead of selling your fish to a middle man, you can then negotiate directly with the processing plants and maybe even open your own plant.
You can then leave this little village and move to Mexico City, Los Angeles, or even New York City! From there you can direct your huge new enterprise.”
Answered the American businessman.
“Hmm… how long would that take?”
Enquired the Mexican fisherman.
“Twenty, perhaps 25 years,”
Replied the American businessman.
“And after that?”
The Mexican fisherman pressed.
“Afterwards? That’s when it gets really interesting,” answered the American businessman, laughing. “When your business gets really big, you can start selling stocks and make millions!”
“Millions? Really? And after that?”
Asked the excited Mexican Fisherman.
“Oh and this is finally the best bit! After that you’ll be able to retire, live in a small village near the coast, sleep late, play with your children, catch a few fish, take a siesta with your wife, and spend your evenings drinking and playing the guitar with your amigos.”
Said the American businessman.