Leave an escape route

Many people would have heard this saying: Don't mess with people with nothing, because they could have done anything since they have nothing to lose. This saying tells us people who already lost almost everything or has nothing important at stake will have no doubt in doing something to change their depressed condition. Thinking of this saying, I remember this type of incident happen a lot in history and our daily lives.

I am not teaching you to make enemies, but in life one will face many competitions, either formal and informal. Facing people who threatens you in any aspect will be similar as facing your enemy, and need to be tackled strategically to reduce trouble or even better, to solve the conflict. The trick to choose the correct way is to choose the way that will reduce your damage received to minimum. For example, if you can win a fight without loosing anything but only cost your enemy a little bit damage, it is still advisable compared to destroying your enemy completely but sustaining heavy loss.

If you were to read "The Art Of War" by Sun Tzi, you will find a saying: When surrounding your enemy to attack them, leave a escape route for them. Do not surround them completely. Do you know why? Let's picture the situation to find the answer.

In this scenario, there's nowhere to run for the red gang. So the blue gang got them cornered properly. Now, who knows what will happen?

Naturally, because the red ones have no place to escape, their only choice is to fight. In this case, the red ones will most probably deal heavy damage to the blue ones although the blue ones will win  in the end due to their greater number.

If there is an escape route, then the situation will differ greatly. The red ones will be concentrate on escaping as they realize that there's no chance of winning. So, the blue ones can enjoy an easy task finishing off those who can't escape in time, with the advantage of attacking from the back of enemies who are escaping and sustaining almost no loss. Maybe a few enemies will escape, but you still gain a huge victory with no casualties. What's more, you will also be more confident to face future battles since your army's strength is not reduced. 

Sun Tzi said: In any fights, being able to stop one's enemy's attack by not sacrificing anything is the best strategy. Isn't that right? In life, not losing is also a part of winning. If you gain a lot after a heavy cost, then maybe it's hardly worth it.

So, remember to leave an escape route for your enemy when you already gain victory. It's not being sympathetic, it's to lose less, and to lose less means to have more. As shown above, allowing your enemy the chance to escape will prevent them from fighting back with all they have. 

In modern society, maybe the competition you will be facing won't be resulting in death. But still, as a Chinese saying goes: Provide others with a chance to move down the stage without further embarrassment.

Although you have won, your opponent will still be grateful for your action, what's more is you may gain a friend to aid you in future.

So the next time you are sure to win already, leave an escape route for your enemy. =)