The Popular Life Advice I’m SO Glad I Ignored—Confessions of a Highly Sensitive Minimalist

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The Fisherman and the Businessman: A Tale of Two Paths

The story of the fisherman and the businessman is a timeless parable that invites us to reflect on our values, priorities, and the way we choose to live our lives. In the tale, a businessman encounters a fisherman who catches just enough fish to support his family and enjoy a simple, contented life. The businessman, puzzled by the fisherman’s lack of ambition, suggests he could scale his efforts, build a fishing empire, become wealthy, and eventually retire to enjoy life. The fisherman, with a knowing smile, responds, “But I’m already doing that now.”

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At first glance, the fisherman’s perspective seems wise—he’s found contentment in simplicity, living a life aligned with his values. But upon deeper reflection, the businessman’s viewpoint also holds merit. Life isn’t one-size-fits-all, and the path to fulfillment varies depending on who we are and what we value. Both the fisherman and the businessman share a common end goal: to spend time with family and enjoy life. Yet their journeys differ profoundly. The businessman’s path is one of ambition, challenges, and growth through overcoming obstacles, meeting diverse people, and navigating the ups and downs of building something grand. The fisherman, on the other hand, embraces a life of “enough,” finding joy in the present moment.

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This duality reminds me of my two grandmothers, who lived vastly different lives yet were united by their unwavering authenticity. My maternal grandmother was a vibrant, larger-than-life personality who traveled the world solo, always adorned in glamorous makeup. My paternal grandmother, a monk, lived a minimalist life dedicated to the temple, with only five outfits in her closet and a stoic, wise demeanor. Despite their differences, both knew exactly who they were and lived according to their values. Their lives taught me that authenticity—leaning into what makes us unique—encourages others to do the same.

Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences further underscores this idea. He identifies eight types of intelligence—linguistic, logical-mathematical, spatial, bodily-kinesthetic, musical, interpersonal, intrapersonal, and naturalistic—each representing a unique strength. Imagine if Picasso had ignored his spatial intelligence, Shakespeare his linguistic genius, or Ella Fitzgerald her musical gift. The world would be poorer for it. Their contributions stemmed from embracing their authentic strengths and honing them with dedication.

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Personally, I’ve always excelled with words and connecting with others, pointing to linguistic and interpersonal intelligence. Mathematics, however, was never my forte, and I’ve always admired musicians, athletes, and biologists for their gifts in areas that don’t come naturally to me. Beyond intelligence types, I’m a highly sensitive, introverted INFJ and a projector in human design. Understanding these facets of myself has given me permission to create an environment that suits me, whether that’s pursuing creative work or living abroad to embrace new challenges.

This brings us back to the fisherman and the businessman. In different seasons of life, we may need to embody both. Early on, or when starting anew, we must be the businessman—exploring, experimenting, and stepping out of our comfort zones to discover what resonates with us. Once we find our calling, we can shift to the fisherman’s mindset, focusing on what brings us joy and fulfillment.

Reflecting on my own journey, I’m grateful for the advice I didn’t follow. I opted for community college before transferring to a four-year university, a financially sensible choice that suited my self-paced learning style from homeschooling. I majored in philosophy despite skepticism about its practicality because it fueled my curiosity and shaped my worldview. Leaving a traditional career for YouTube was another unconventional choice, driven by my need to do work I love. Living abroad has been transformative, exposing parts of myself I wouldn’t have discovered otherwise, despite the daily challenges.

Ultimately, no one else’s experience should define your path. Advice, quotes, and stories reflect the journeys of others, but your journey is yours to forge. Disappointing others may be the cost of finding yourself, but it’s a price worth paying. No one will live your life for you.

So, in this season of your life, who do you need to be—the fisherman or the businessman?

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