《三十六计》第九计 隔岸观火

The strategy "Watch the Fire from Across the Shore" (隔岸观火) from the ancient Chinese military manual "Thirty-Six Stratagems" emphasizes the importance of patience, observation, and the ability to exploit internal conflicts within the enemy's ranks. It advocates for adopting a wait-and-see approach when the enemy is experiencing internal strife and turmoil, allowing them to self-destruct while one remains on the sidelines, ready to seize the advantage at the opportune moment.

今天，我们继续探讨《三十六计》的智慧。今天要介绍的是第九计——《隔岸观火》。 “隔岸观火”是一种静观其变、等待敌人自乱的策略。原文是：“阳乖序乱，阴以待逆。暴戾恣睢，其势自毙。”意思是，当敌人内部发生矛盾和混乱时，采取观望态度，不轻易出手，让敌人自己在内部纷争中自取灭亡。隔岸观火强调在敌人自乱时，保持冷静，不贸然干预，从而坐收渔翁之利。

Historical Example:

A prominent example of this strategy is the Battle of Feicheng (公元前312年) during the Warring States period. The Qin state, under the leadership of General Bai Qi, was engaged in a protracted siege of the Zhao capital, Handan. The Zhao forces, facing imminent defeat, turned to the neighboring state of Chu for aid.

The Chu king, hesitant to intervene directly, instead dispatched a small force led by General Wei Yan. General Wei Yan, adopting a strategy of "Watch the Fire from Across the Shore," positioned his troops at a distance, observing the situation without engaging in the siege.

Meanwhile, within the Qin camp, internal conflicts arose between General Bai Qi and the Qin court. Bai Qi's brilliant military achievements had made him a target of envy and suspicion among the Qin nobility. Seizing upon this opportunity, the Chu general Fan Sui, a former Qin official, sowed discord between Bai Qi and the Qin king, leading to Bai Qi's dismissal and eventual suicide.

With the loss of their exceptional commander and the disruption of internal unity, the Qin forces were demoralized and weakened. The Zhao forces, sensing an opportunity, launched a counterattack, driving back the Qin army and securing a decisive victory.

Modern Applications:

The applicability of this strategy extends far beyond the battlefield, finding relevance in various aspects of modern life, including business, sports, and personal endeavors. In the realm of business, companies can adopt this strategy by observing market trends, competitor actions, and internal dynamics before making strategic decisions. For instance, a company might monitor the launch of new products by competitors and analyze their customer response before deciding to enter a new market.

In sports, athletes can employ this strategy by studying their opponents' strengths, weaknesses, and team dynamics to identify potential exploitable areas. For example, a football team might analyze their opponent's defensive formations and tendencies to develop effective offensive strategies.

In personal endeavors, individuals can apply this strategy by carefully assessing situations, considering multiple perspectives, and waiting for the right moment to act. For instance, a student preparing for a presentation might research the topic thoroughly, understand the audience's expectations, and practice their delivery before presenting.

Key Takeaways:

The "Watch the Fire from Across the Shore" strategy highlights the importance of patience, observation, and the ability to identify and exploit opportunities arising from internal conflicts. By adopting this strategy, individuals, organizations, and teams can make informed decisions, conserve resources, and achieve their objectives without unnecessary conflict or direct confrontation.

Additional Points:

• The strategy emphasizes the importance of understanding the enemy's internal dynamics, motivations, and potential vulnerabilities.

• It highlights the need for careful evaluation of the situation and the timing of any intervention.

• The strategy is applicable in various contexts, from business and competition to personal decision-making and conflict resolution.