The Starfish

Once upon a time there was a wise man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing.  He had a habit of walking on the beach before he began his work.

One day he was walking along the shore.  As he looked down the beach, he saw a human figure.  As he got closer he called out, "Good Morning!  What are you doing?"

The young man paused, looked up and replied, "Throwing starfish in the ocean."

"I guess I should have asked, why are you throwing starfish in the ocean?"

"The sun is up, and the tide is going out.  And if I don't throw them in they'll die."

"But, young man, don't you realize that there are miles and miles of beach, and starfish all along it.  You can't possibly make a difference!"

The young man listened politely.  Then bent down, picked another starfish and threw it into the sea, past the breaking waves and said, "It made a difference for that one."