A man was hungry, so he went to the river to catch a fish.
He knew nothing about fishing, so his efforts were in vain.
Twice he almost caught one, dropping it into the river and
loosing it each time. Throwing down his line and hook he
shouted "I have nothing!".
A wise man came along, and asked the poor man why he had
cried out, and what was the matter. The man who was trying
to catch a fish told the wise man what had happened,
how he had almost caught a fish, only to loose it, and the
wise man just smiled, and said "Do not be alarmed, my friend,
for you have lost nothing. In fact, you have gained more
than you realize."
"WHAT?" Said the would-be fisherman.
"Yes" replied the wise old man. "You now know how to, and
how NOT to fish. If you threw your hook into the water and
caught a fish quickly, you would have learned nothing."
But, by trying over and over again, you gained wisdom. Try
again, my friend."
So, the man threw his hook into the water, pulled the line,
and quickly caught a fish.


No kind or cruel gods smile or frown down upon us. It is
we alone who make or break our own fate.

This is why I am so smart!!!

I like this and sooo true. Oh yeah gypsy is kinda smart too.

Eventually I may become a genius!!!

I'm only to the level of rocket scientist

How long was this fisherman trying before he initially quit?

Why are there so many stories of other fisherman suddenly being rewarded with the catch of the day when they finally throw their lines down and decide to head for home after a completely fruitless venture?