What was the plot in the book The old man end the sea?

One of man's greatest quests is to discover himself and to learn why he has been placed upon this earth... what is his "purpose"? Over the years man and his purpose often become one. However, when man retires or is no longer considered "prosperous or profitable, his purpose may tend to wither.. and if that be the case, that man will wither too. Some call it "death among the living'. In the case of the Old Man and the Sea.. our protagonist sees his "purpose" slipping away as his proclivity toward fishing seems to be waning. "Living death could be eminent?" To interrupt this potential calamity he decides to "give it his all" and to venture further out to sea than ever before... He decides to cross the paths of timid comfort... and harsh conflict! He realizes his goal.. but along the way, like life, he cannot fight the inevitable... he cannot fight the "City Hall of Life". He proves he is still a great fisherman... but his effort, while successful, is stripped of all glory. Like man... we all achieve our 15 minutes of fame... but in the end...?

Some win... some do not win.

Thanks,

david