When the worms are scarce, what does a hen do? Does she…
“When the worms are scarce, what does a hen do? Does she stop scratching? She does not. She scratches all the harder. A lot of businessmen have been showing less sense than a hen since orders became scarce. They have laid off salesmen; they have stopped or reduced their advertising; they have simply resigned themselves to inaction and, of course, to pessimism. If a hen knows enough to scratch all the harder when the worms are scarce, surely businessmen ... ought to have gumption enough to scratch all the harder for business.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
When resources dwindle, the proactive intensify effort rather than retreat, a lesson for entrepreneurs facing market downturns.
In simple terms: Work harder when things get tough.
Key Takeaway
Increase effort despite scarcity.
Themes
perseverance
entrepreneurship
resilience
Mood
determined
challenging
Type
motivational
pragmatic
When to use this quote
- economic downturns
- budget cuts
- market slumps
- career setbacks
Key Concepts
scarcity response
motivation
business strategy
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you channel scarcity into innovation?
- What strategies complement effort in tough times?
A Different Perspective
Hard work alone may not overcome structural market forces.