The Great Polished Catamaran

In this parable, you are in a self-made sailboat in a bay at high noon with no wind, unable to move, while others around you in yachts are confidently moving in various directions, each claiming they are heading the right way. A knight in a polished catamaran teaches you about sourcing the pieces of your boat correctly and advises you to sail around the bay to understand the manifestations of iniquity among the people. You dream of grander journeys, either south to Baja California, north to Portland, or ultimately to Hawaii and the Pacific Naval Battles, where you will serve as a janitor on an aircraft carrier.

An ethical conclusion that reveals a paradox within this parable might be:

Paradox of Ambition and Humility

The ethical conclusion could be that true progress and understanding come not from the grand journeys we envision or the lofty roles we aspire to, but from the humble, seemingly mundane tasks and the genuine connections we make along the way. The paradox lies in the realization that, despite dreaming of faraway places and significant roles, the real growth and ethical fulfillment might be found in the small, humble actions and the local, personal interactions.

In this context, while you dream of grand adventures and important roles, the knight's advice suggests that the key to progress is in understanding and addressing the iniquities within the immediate environment—the bay. The role of a janitor, though seemingly humble, represents the importance of maintaining and caring for the foundations of any grand endeavor. Thus, the ethical path involves balancing ambition with humility, recognizing that even the most modest roles and tasks contribute to the greater good and prepare you for future challenges.

This paradox challenges the notion that greatness is only found in distant, grandiose endeavors and instead emphasizes the ethical importance of humility, local understanding, and the significance of every role in the collective journey.