Too many sailors sink the ship.

What it means

A crew needs roles, not crowds. When everyone wants a hand on the wheel, the boat goes down. Know who steers and let them steer.

The source

"Too many sailors sink the ship." This Arabic proverb is recorded in Burckhardt, Arabic Proverbs (1830), no. 15. Translated by John Lewis Burckhardt, 1830.

"If the sailors become too numerous, the ship sinks."

John Lewis Burckhardt, 1830, Burckhardt, Arabic Proverbs (1830), no. 15. Text read at archive.org.

Who said it

Proverbs of the world (Every age). Sayings from the Latin, Greek, Norse, Japanese, Chinese and more, each traced to an old source in its own language.

Questions

What does "Too many sailors sink the ship." mean?

A crew needs roles, not crowds. When everyone wants a hand on the wheel, the boat goes down. Know who steers and let them steer.

Who said "Too many sailors sink the ship."?

Arabic proverb. Source: Burckhardt, Arabic Proverbs (1830), no. 15.

What is the original wording?

If the sailors become too numerous, the ship sinks (John Lewis Burckhardt, 1830). Translated by John Lewis Burckhardt, 1830.

Is "Too many sailors sink the ship." on a shirt?

Yes. We print it to order on our tees in 7 illustrated looks, from $44, with free US shipping.

"Too many sailors sink the ship." (Arabic proverb, Burckhardt, Arabic Proverbs (1830), no. 15, trans. John Lewis Burckhardt, 1830). https://spartansurfers.com/quotes/too-many-sailors-sink-the-ship