Theos-Talk Archives (August 2002 Message tt00018)

Dallas writes;
But the one question no one every
fully answers is: "After you have accumulated money, power
and ease, and come to the end of your life, what next ?
Then again the vast shadow of mystery looms: what happens
when this body dies and we are left naked without money,
power, friends, servants, family ? Are we to be flayed or
favored? (It is at this point that priesthood steps in with
claims that are never verified.) 

=======================================
A boat had just docked at the boat ramp in a tiny Mexican village. An
American tourist watched. He complimented the Mexican fisherman on the
quality of his fish and asked how long it took him to catch them.
"Not very long," answered the Mexican.
"But then, why didn't you stay out longer and catch more?" asked the
American.
The Mexican explained that his small catch was sufficient to meets his
needs
and those of his family.
The American asked, "But what do you do with the rest of your time?"

"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 have a full life."

The American interrupted, "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. 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 negotiate directly with the processing
plants and even open your own plant. You can then leave this little village
and move to Mexico City, Los Angles, or even New York City! From there you
can direct your huge enterprise."
"How long would that take?" asked the Mexican.
"Twenty, perhaps twenty-five years," replied the American.
"And after that?"
"Afterwards? That's when it really gets interesting," answered the
American,
laughing. "When your business gets really big, you can start selling stocks
and make millions!"
"Millions? Really? And after that?"

"After that you'll be able to retire, live in a tiny village near the
coast,
sleep late, play with your grandchildren, catch a few fish, take a siesta,
and spend your evenings drinking and enjoying your friends."