A small but certain gain is better than a large but uncertain promise.

What does the fish symbolize?

The fish represents opportunities that seem too small but are real and tangible, as opposed to future promises.

What is the origin of this fable?

Attributed to Aesop, ancient Greece, around 600 BCE.

How is this fable relevant to investing?

It describes the difference between realized gains and speculative promises — a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.

Is the fisherman greedy?

No — his decision is based on wisdom, not greed. He recognizes the value of certainty over speculation.

Fables

#ATU 18A

The Fisherman and the Little Fish

#Contentment

#Wisdom

#Patience

The Fisherman and the Little Fish - Fables fairy tale

Available Variants

Greece, Europe

At a Glance

Europe / Greece

ATU 18A

2 min read

Easy

Contentment

Wisdom

Patience

Key Takeaways

1.A certain small gain is worth more than an uncertain large promise
2.Contentment with what you have prevents foolish gambling
3.Do not trade what you have for what someone promises to give you later

The Fisherman and the Little Fish

Annotations Enabled

A Fisherman who had been out all day with nothing to eat finally caught a small Fish at sunset. The Fish pleaded with the Fisherman to let him go. Please, kind sir, I am too small to be worth your while. If you put me back in the water, I will grow bigger and you can catch me another day. Then I will make you a much better meal.

The Fisherman smiled and shook his head. My dear little Fish, he said, I may be a poor fisherman, but I am not a fool. A small fish in the hand is worth more than a large fish in the sea. I have you now, and I am keeping you.

A certain small thing is worth more than an uncertain large thing. Contentment with what you have is wiser than gambling on what might be.