as i search for the meaning of life, i meet a fisherman on my journey.
he casts a net into the sea everyday, and everyday he returns empty-handed.
i ask him if he's using the wrong bait, he waves my suggestion away.
i'm close to catching one, he says.
one? i thought a net was to catch as many as possible.
he explains that he only needs one fish to feed his family, so using a net increases his chances.
then what will he do with the other fishes, if he catches more than one?
i will choose the best-looking, healthiest fish, and throw the rest back into the sea, he says.
i watch his daily routine at the jetty. he's not alone. there're other fishermen in the area as well.
most of them carry rods; a net is expensive in this part of town.
if u use a net and only need one fish, while the rest use just a rod, don't u think ur being a bit selfish, i ask.
why, he replies in a surprised tone.
what if one day u do catch all the fish in the sea w ur net, aren't u depriving of other fishermen as u select ur best catch?
absolutely not. my interviewee is defiant. catching requires much patience and skill. i have waited long enough with my net, of course i deserve to be rewarded.
but the rest of the fishermen cannot afford nets, don't u think it's a bit unfair?
if they're really keen on catching, they can weave their own. if they cannot wait any longer, i guess it's time for them to move to another town.
i end my stay with a big question mark, and with no sight of the fisherman's catch.
cherry garcia..
6:09 PM
