The Fisherman and the Industrialist: A Lesson in Wealth

The Story by John Lane

The industrialist was horrified to find the fisherman lying beside his boat, smoking a pipe.

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

“Because I’ve caught enough fish for the day.”

“Why don’t you catch some more?”

“What would I do with them?”

“Earn more money. Then you could have a motor fixed to your boat and go into deeper waters and catch more fish. That would bring you money to buy nylon nets, so more fish, more money. Soon you would have enough to buy two boats, even a fleet of boats, then you could be rich like me.”

“What would I do then?”

“Then you could sit back and enjoy life.”

“What do you think I’m doing now?”

The Lesson

This parable cuts to the heart of a timeless question: What is wealth? The industrialist sees it as a destination—a future reward earned through years of hustle and expansion. The fisherman, however, lives it in the present, finding richness in simplicity, balance, and time well-spent.

The story doesn’t dismiss ambition or hard work. Instead, it asks us to define success on our own terms. The industrialist’s vision of wealth requires endless striving, while the fisherman’s wealth lies in having enough—enough to live, love, and enjoy the moment.

Here’s my twist on the fisherman’s story: I’m not fishing every day like he does. Instead, I’m waiting for my fishes to grow bigger. By that, I mean I’m letting my investments mature over time. I’ve planted seeds in the form of careful planning, thoughtful choices, and patient effort. Now, I’m giving them time to grow before I “reel them in” to enjoy the rewards.

The fisherman in the story didn’t need an empire to be rich. He had enough fish, enough time, and enough joy. I’m not quite there yet—I’m still letting my fishes grow—but I’m closer to his mindset than ever before. I’ve learned that wealth isn’t just about what you have; it’s about what you need to feel whole. For me, that means a life where I can enjoy the fruits of my labor without sacrificing the peace of today.