illustration av The beauty trap
Military / Strategy / Classical Texts
Military / Strategy / Classical Texts

The beauty trap

If direct strength is too great, attack emotion, desire, and judgment.

Alias
美人計 / Set 6. Defeat Stratagems
Områden
Strategy, negotiation, positioning, competition, conflict

Chinese Maxim

  • Chinese title: 美人計
  • Chinese maxim: 兵強者，攻其將；兵智者，伐其情。
  • Plain-English rendering: If direct strength is too great, attack emotion, desire, and judgment.

How It Works

  • Simple definition: Disarm through attraction or indulgence.
  • Simple explanation: People often fail where their desires weaken discipline.

Usage Example

  • When a rival leader is driven by prestige, offer vanity projects that pull focus away from the real contest.