The Fisherman

The Fisherman laid on the beach, fishing pole stuck in the sand and anchored between his feet.

He could distinguish between the subtle motions of the waves and the sudden pull of fish biting.

He was approached by another man armed with the idea of progress.

Fisherman, why don't you get a boat and go fish in the high seas ? - asked the man.

For what? -  demanded the fisherman - I get all the fish I need right here.

Well, if you get a boat and a net you can catch more fish and sell the one you don't need - replied the man.

And what would I do with the money ? - inquired the fisherman. 

You can buy a bigger boat, get some sonar equipment, freezers, a crew and catch tons of fish - said the man enthusiastically.

This sounds like a lot of work -  I would have to deal with crews, customers, technical equipment I am not familiar with ... when would I have time to lay on the beach again ? - asked the fisherman visibly worried.

Not to worry - replied the man who had brought progress from across the seas and did not understand the way life runs in paradise - you can work for many years and then when you have amassed a large fortune, you can retire and lay on the beach again ...

This story was told to us by a friend sent to the Solomon Islands on an European project to bring development to the island