When he first came to the US by invitation to consult and teach astrology, he experienced profound dose of cultural shock with the starling difference in lifestyles, people and attitudes. The severe discontentment, restlessness and loneliness in the US people’s hearts, despite of their affluences and advanced technology, were baffling him more than anything. In his home country, he said, even the simple hearted souls know better than them how to enjoy life happily and merrily despite their humble and poor living conditions.
The rich industrialist from the North was horrified to find the Southern fisherman lying lazily beside his boat, smoking a pipe.
“Why
aren’t you out fishing?” said 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 it?”
“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?”
Which would you rather have: a fortune or a
capacity for enjoyment?
