Life is not always fun. Sometimes we have to do boring, monotonous or nasty tasks like studying, listening or sitting still. To do it we are goaded in one way or other.

Punishments are to regulate rule breakers for the peace of the community and the betterment of mankind. In the Middle Ages beating and whipping was common in schools. Rod was an important prop in the classroom. Later with the industrial revolution a new tool was invented to support the teachers' grave task: the ruler. It was a great device to hit the tip of the students' fingers with little effort but terrific outcome. By the way it could also be used to draw straight lines, but not everybody knew about it.

We live in a different era. Teachers have different methods to enforce discipline, like detention (great time to immerse in jedi skills) and counseling (to use your jedi skills).

I came across posters in various hostels during my trips nudging us, commoners to do our task. These are the centerpieces of some hostel kitchens in New Zealand, all about discipline and consequences if you don't do your wash up.

Some of them are polite. Others are furious in advance, threatening you with the possible consequences. One was really inspiring to me (guess, which one). So which method works the best for you?