Contented Fisherman

The following tale is a supplementary parable offered by Peter Rollins in a set of seven meant to add to the original 33 published as The Orthodox Heretic.

Contented Fisherman

A rich industrialist from the North was horrified to find a fisherman from the South laying lazily beside his boat, smoking a pipe.

“Why aren’t you out fishing?” asked the industrialist.

“Because I have caught enough fish for the day,” said the fisherman.

“Why don’t you catch some more?”

“What would I do with them?”

“You could earn more money” was the reply. “With that you could have a motor fixed to your boat and go into deeper waters and catch more fish. Then you would make enough to buy nylon nets. These would bring you more fish and more money.  Soon you would have enough money to own two boats . . . maybe even a fleet of boats. Then you would be a rich man like me.”

“What would I do then?”

“Then you could really enjoy life.”

“What do you think I am doing right now?”