Make Them Scour The Anchors

When Benjamin Franklin was working with a group of sailors in defensive preparations during the war in 1750, he made the observation that when the men were employed at some task or chore, they were always good-natured and cheerful, having the mind that they had done a meaningful day’s work.

But on days when they were idle, they were always quarrelsome — finding fault with the pork, the bread and the management of the ship.

A seasoned captain was hired who’s rule of thumb was to always keep the sailors busy. One day when his attendant told him that all the tasks were completed on the ship, he replied;

“Make them scour the anchors.” A task which was never done.

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