Next to the Art of War by Sun Zi, the 36 Strategies is the most widely known work on strategy in Asia. Where the Art of War plainly lays out the major topics to be considered in discussing strategy, the 36 Strategies attempts to teach by induction, by giving 36 examples, in groups of six. Here is #17.
17. Toss out a glazed tile to draw a jade
You present something of superficial or apparent worth to induce another party to produce something of real worth.
The classic bait and switch comes to mind as an example of #17. This strategy is the basis of countless cons. It is almost human nature to try and get something for nothing (or very little).
How many times have you encountered something too good to be true, and you were right? That's a case of recognising #17.
I thought I'd take the opportunity now to provide some links to books which discuss the 36 Strategies. This is by no means comprehensive, but should provide a good place to start, when looking for more information on The 36 Strategies.
The Art of the Advantage by Kaihan Krippendorf
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1587991683/sr=8-1/qid=1155350757/ref=pd_bbs_1/002-5126729-6987229?ie=UTF8
The 36 Strategies by Stefan Verstappen
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0835126420/ref=pd_sim_b_3/002-5126729-6987229?ie=UTF8
More Than 36 Stratagems: A Systematic Classification Based On Basic Behaviours
by Douglas Tung
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1412006740/ref=pd_bxgy_text_b/002-5126729-6987229?ie=UTF8
36 Strategies of the Chinese by Wee Chow Hou
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/9812358323/ref=wl_it_dp/002-5126729-6987229?%5Fencoding=UTF8&colid=3LT9O1ZF7Z9W&coliid=I1U1SIS8MSPG2X&v=glance&n=283155
Enjoy!
4 comments:
Do you see this as a strategy only for war? How about for peace? Or for positive relationships? What I have in mind is when you are trying to build a trusting relationship with a person. Or maybe that one would be called tossing out jade for jade?
These are strategies for any human interaction.
Most classic processes can be used. Just a matter of creativity.
For example, doing something small and little trouble for you, might mean a great deal for someone else. It costs you very little (a tile), and can make a great impression on someone else (the jade).
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