Work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion. General recognition of this fact is shown in the proverbial phrase "It is the busiest man who has time to spare."

Deliberative bodies become decreasingly effective after they pass five to eight members.

It is the busiest man who has time to spare.

A committee is organic rather than mechanical in its nature: it is not a structure but a plant. It takes root and grows, it flowers, wilts, and dies, scattering the seed from which other committees will bloom in their turn.

The nice thing about standards is, there are so many to choose from. Work expands to fill the time available for its completion.

Perfection of planning is a symptom of decay. During a period of exciting discovery or progress, there is no time to plan the perfect headquarters.

When any organizational entity expands beyond 21 members, the real power will be in some smaller body.