“Up, sluggard, and waste not life; in the grave will be sleeping enough”
Benjamin Franklin
This is an interesting quote from Ben Franklin, not for what it says, but for the lifestyle that he exemplified and how it correlates to this statement.
When John Adams and Benjamin Franklin were both in France, Adams was constantly frustrated with Franklin because he felt that at times he was “lazy.” Primarily because Adams saw Franklin lounging about with friends talking, or relaxing, reading and reflecting on various subjects.
What this reveals is that Benjamin Franklin was a flaneur. He valued discovery, and reflection, not just grinding out tasks and projects. He found it highly productive to mine for innovation, identify a new opportunity, or define tactical advantage.
As leaders we must be driven, but that drive must also be invested in “flaneur” activities to ensure that how you lead and where you lead people is most effective.