When you surround an army, leave an outlet free. Do not press a desperate foe too hard.
Sun Tzu’s “The Art of War” is not just a guide for military strategy, but also a manual for life. The principles outlined in this ancient text can be applied to numerous situations, whether it be in business, politics, or personal relationships. One such principle, found in verse 7.36, is to leave an outlet free when surrounding an army, and to not press a desperate foe too hard.
In warfare, the concept of surrounding an army is a common tactic. By cutting off an enemy’s supply lines and surrounding them on all sides, they are left with no option but to surrender or fight to the death. However, Sun Tzu warns against completely sealing off an enemy’s escape route. By leaving an outlet free, the enemy is given a chance to retreat, and this can actually work in your favor.
When an enemy is given an escape route, they may be more likely to surrender or flee rather than fight to the death. This not only saves your own army from unnecessary casualties, but it also allows you to potentially capture the enemy’s supplies, weapons, and even some of their soldiers. By not pressing a desperate foe too hard, you avoid giving them a reason to fight to the death and instead create an opportunity for surrender or retreat.
The principle of leaving an outlet free and not pressing a desperate foe too hard can be applied to many situations in life. In business, for example, a company may have a competitor who is struggling financially. Rather than taking advantage of their situation and putting them out of business, a more strategic approach may be to offer assistance or create a partnership. This not only benefits your own company but also helps to maintain a healthy business environment for everyone.
In personal relationships, this principle can be applied by not pushing someone too hard when they are going through a difficult time. By giving them space and allowing them to retreat if necessary, you create a more supportive environment that may lead to a better outcome for everyone involved.
In conclusion, Sun Tzu’s principle of leaving an outlet free when surrounding an army and not pressing a desperate foe too hard is a powerful lesson that can be applied to many areas of life. By taking a more strategic approach and avoiding unnecessary conflict, we can create more positive outcomes for ourselves and those around us.
Geoff Willis is an accomplished restaurateur and chef with over two decades in the culinary world, blending his passion for gastronomy with an extensive study of philosophy. Known for his innovative approach to cooking and deep commitment to sustainable practices, Geoff combines the art of flavors with philosophical insights, offering readers a unique perspective on food and life.