Long ago, a ship traveling far out at sea became stranded in the open waters. It quickly became obvious the ship was going nowhere. Since this happened in the days before radio and far away from other shipping traffic, there was no hope of anyone coming to their rescue. But in the far distance, the passengers could just make out an island. As time passed with no other option, the passengers realized their only hope for survival lay in reaching that island.

They set to work devising a way to get there.

Some reasoned that, since the island was close enough to be visible, they should be able to swim to it. Sure, it would be hard, but swimming was the simplest thing to do.

Others argued that they should take pieces of the old boat and fashion a small raft to paddle there. Although they could take only a few at a time and it would take longer, paddling would clearly be safest.

A few held out that the best approach was to do as little as possible. They reasoned that if you simply floated, the currents themselves would take you to the island.

And some insisted that they were already at the island, and the others simply didn’t realize it. If only they could sink to the ocean floor, they would find it to be the island surface, and could simply walk where they wanted.

They continued arguing, debating the merits of each approach. As time went on, there were more and more ideas, and stronger and stronger opinions. Soon the people were yelling at each other about the best way to be saved:

“Swim!” “Sink!” “Float!” “Paddle!”

And on and on the arguments went.

As they were arguing, a ship glided into their midst. It had come from the island, and had enough room on it for everyone. The owner of the island piloted the ship. As he pulled alongside the stranded passengers, he held out his hand to them and offered a ride back to safety. Some took his offer, and climbed aboard. But others peered at the ship and decided they didn’t like its looks, or they didn’t agree with the Captain’s directions. They were so sure of themselves that they refused to board. Many were simply too busy arguing to even notice it at all.

The ship took on those who would board, turned, and headed steadily for shore.