三疑

King Wu asked Taigong: 'I wish to accomplish great things, but I have three doubts. I fear I lack the strength to attack the strong, separate their kin, and scatter their multitude — what should be done?' Taigong said: 'Go along with them, plan carefully, and use wealth. To attack the strong, you must nurture their strength and make them stronger, increase them and make them expand. What is too strong must break; what is too expanded must crack. To attack the strong, use strength against them. To separate their kin, use kinship against them. To scatter their multitude, use numbers against them. In all matters of strategy, thoroughness and secrecy are the greatest treasures. Set affairs before them and dangle profit — the desire to contend will inevitably arise.'

To separate his kin, exploit what he loves. Win over his favorites, give them what they want, show them where profit lies, and thereby drive a wedge. Do not let them achieve their aims. When they are overjoyed with greed for profit, their suspicions will cease. In all methods of attack, you must first blind his clarity, then attack his strength, destroy what is great in him, and eliminate what harms the people. Corrupt him with women, entice him with profit, indulge him with fine foods, and amuse him with entertainments. Once you have separated his kin, you must drive him away from the people. Do not let him perceive your plans. Guide him and draw him in so that he never becomes aware of your intent — then you can succeed.'

When bestowing kindness on the people, you must not stint with wealth. The people are like cattle and horses — feed them often, and they will follow and love you. The heart awakens wisdom. Wisdom awakens wealth. Wealth awakens the multitude. The multitude awakens the worthy. When the worthy are awakened, you can rule the world.'