Art of War Chapter – 8.2

A wise man’s deliberations always include both advantages and dangers.
When weighing advantages amid risks, your plans prove reliable. When recognizing opportunities within dangers, troubles can be resolved.

To subdue other lords, threaten them with harm. To keep them occupied, burden them with affairs. To draw them into action, tempt them with gains.

Note

This section from The Art of War stresses wise planners balance both benefits and risks to secure plans and resolve troubles. It lists three diplomatic tactics: pressure rivals with threats, burden them with chores, and lure them into action with tempting gains.

Sun Tzu (Sun Wu)

A great military strategist and thinker in ancient China, who lived in the late Spring and Autumn Period. He authored The Art of War, the world’s earliest and most influential military classic. His strategic thoughts have been widely applied in military, politics and management worldwide.

Weigh advantages and dangers

The basic principle of wise planning.

Subdue by harm

Pressure opponents with potential disasters.

Occupy by affairs

Tie rivals down with endless chores and duties.

Tempt by gains

Motivate others with tangible benefits.

是故智者之慮，必雜于利害，雜于利而務可信也，雜于害而患可解也。是故屈諸侯者以害，役諸侯者以業，趨諸侯者以利。