Please teach me how to fish
Last Update: July 26, 2014

Give a wo/man a fish and they are fed once but teach them how to fish and they will be fed forever.


I have found these two scenarios to be appropriate depending on the person's circumstances. Helping people is multidimensional. You may find it expedient to first feed the person before they can even be taught anything about fending for themselves. At other times however, it may be that they have just enough to keep them going but they need a more sustainable income for the future. Such a person has the ability to comprehend what will be taught.


I think many of us fall in the second category and we are here to learn how to "fish".

Thanks to the teachers in this community who continuously, without hesitation, keep holding people's hands and showing how to make a great catch each and every time.


Do you prefer to give a person a fish (feed them once) not caring so much for their needs and be on your merry way, or take the time to teach them how to fish (feed them "for life") so that they don't go “hungry” again?

I believe the teacher is a giver of good fortune. What do you think?



Ade

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cookma54 Premium
I love to learn how to "fish" ... because then I can get the benefit of learning, self-esteem, empowerment, motivation and success ... that is why I like to teach others how to "fish" so that they can develop and get the benefit of those great self-builders as well. Melody
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@cookma54
I like your reasoning, Melody! You are one of those that readily shares what you have learned to benefit others.
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Trialynn Premium
I much prefer to teach to fish, than give fish away!
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@Trialynn
It is a blessing to be able to impact other people's lives in very meaningful ways. Thanks, Terea!
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RussStewart Premium
People must want to learn how to be taught first. Many just want answers, not a way to future proof their needs
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@RussStewart
You have a valid point there, Russ. They must have the willingness. Thanks!
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Starrlett Premium
I would prefer to teach someone how to fish. Anyone can give you a fish. Once you procure that fish the next step would be to learn how to catch it for yourself. This is where the empowerment, do for self would be more beneficial in terms of being self-reliant and independent. It's far more rewarding when we can do things for ourselves instead of having it handed to us on a plate.
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@Starrlett
Empowerment is key to a sustainable success. Thanks for your input, Charlene!
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Josh Perks Premium
Teach a man how to fish and he'll spend all weekend out fishing instead of mowing the lawn. As to whether you teach some one to fish or give them a fish? That depends on the situation to a large degree. I would prefer to teach them to fish, but if I can't do that then a fish is the next best thing. Hopefully anyway.
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@Josh Perks
Ah, Josh, the wife will want the lawn to be manicured, that's what I would want. LOL
Yes, it depends on the situation, I agree.
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