“Progress isn’t made by early risers. It’s made by lazy men trying to find easier ways to do something.”  – Robert Heinlein

Commentary: This is a recurring theme in business – many lazy people have had great impact on progress because they were simply, well, lazy. They didn’t like the old way of doing things so they made it easier, faster, cheaper. This is nearly the definition of an entrepreneur.

Note there is a big difference between laziness and apathy. The latter will get you nowhere and the former will only get you somewhere if you have the will to implement your ideas.

On a similar note is the story of the lazy officer:

There are only four types of officer. First, there are the lazy, stupid ones. Leave them alone, they do no harm…Second, there are the hard- working, intelligent ones. They make excellent staff officers, ensuring that every detail is properly considered. Third, there are the hard- working, stupid ones. These people are a menace and must be fired at once. They create irrelevant work for everybody. Finally, there are the intelligent, lazy ones. They are suited for the highest office.

 - General Erich Von Manstein (1887-1973) on the German Officer Corps

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