A fisherman cast his net into the sea. When he drew it up, it contained nothing but a single sprat. The little fish begged to be put back into the water.
"I'm only a little fish now," it said, "but I shall grow big one day. Then, if you come and catch me again, I shall be of some use to you."
But the fisherman replied, "Oh, no, I shall keep you now. If I put you back, should I ever see you again? Not likely!"