Sun Tzu – The Art of War 6.3

By holding out advantages to him, he can cause the enemy to approach of his own accord; or, by inflicting damage, he can make it impossible for the enemy to draw near

In Chapter 6 of The Art of War, Sun Tzu discusses the importance of holding out advantages and inflicting damage to control the enemy’s movements. This strategy involves using deception, manipulation, and strategic planning to gain the upper hand in battle.

Sun Tzu advises that a clever combatant should hold out advantages to the enemy to cause them to approach on their own accord. This can include baiting the enemy with a tempting target, such as a lightly defended location, to lure them into a trap. By controlling the battlefield in this way, the clever combatant can dictate the terms of the engagement and limit the enemy’s options.

On the other hand, if the enemy is already in a position of advantage, Sun Tzu suggests that the clever combatant can make it impossible for them to draw near by inflicting damage. This involves using tactics such as raids, ambushes, and guerrilla warfare to weaken the enemy’s morale and resources. By constantly harassing and attacking the enemy, the clever combatant can wear them down and limit their ability to mount a coordinated attack.

In both cases, the key is to remain flexible and adaptable. The clever combatant must be able to adjust their strategy to fit the situation, and to anticipate the enemy’s moves in advance. By doing so, they can stay one step ahead of their opponent and gain the upper hand in battle.

This strategy has been applied in various contexts, from military campaigns to business competition. The idea of holding out advantages and inflicting damage can be seen in marketing campaigns that offer incentives to customers, as well as in negotiations that involve giving and taking away concessions. By understanding the principles outlined by Sun Tzu, individuals and organizations can gain a strategic advantage and achieve their goals with greater success.