Thursday, January 8, 2009

Law 22: Use the surrender tactic: transform weakness to power

Surrender is usually a sign of weakness; when someone has had enough and decides that it is best to let him be at the mercy of their enemies rather than face utter annihilation. However, Law 22 states that in surrender one can subtly fall but regroup to fight once again when the tides turn to his favor.

When an aggressor tries to exert power over you, someone whose strength is greater than yours, you often try to fight back regardless of the chance you have against the aggressor. But if one tries to surrender and avoid reacting aggressively, then the aggressor won’t have a reason to use his strength to crush you. Rather, he’ll be apprehensive and be forced to give you time to plot against him and strike in an opportune time.

Metaphorically think of yourself being a rattlesnake, coiling up appearing to surrender but then striking your opponent with venom, killing him slowly.

Same can be thought with the Japanese’s foreign policy around the 1860s. Threatened with the gunboat policy of the Western powers, they decided to open themselves and gain valuable knowledge about the best their rivals have to offer to complement their weaknesses, gradually strengthening their country and thus exerting their own culture in the end without resistance from the West.

The Melians of Melos however decided to wait for their Spartan allies and defy the superior military and naval might of Athens during the Peloponnesian War. The islanders of Melos said that it was the honorable way. This led to their utter demise.

Martyrdom can never bring victory to you, only indirectly through others. Thus this law’s reversal is not a wise option even if the enemy does not respect surrender. Best it is to wait to see the tides of war turn.

Alan Ortiz
HI18 - K

43 comments:

Ria said...

I see this law as a way to beat your enemy to the punch. If you know you're going to be beaten, beat them to the punch: Surrender before you're destroyed. That way, you save resources, save manpower, and create time to regroup and plan.

By surrendering, you can either 1) lull your opponent into a false sense of security, or 2) confuse him/her. Both ways end up twisting the situation in your favor, which is the point of the law, transforming weakness into power.

Ria said...

^Forgot to add:

Ria Rigoroso
Hi 18 - K

Anonymous said...

I agree with ria. It's pretty much just a matter of knowing when to stop and reassemble/reorganize so you can fight the enemy better and have a greater chance of winning. It's kind of like saying you have to lose a battle or two to win a war. Know when it's time to hold back and review the situation (so you have a better grasp of the enemy's strategies and all that), time to retreat (when you're obviously the weaker of the two, it's definitely time to rethink strategy and find a better way to win), and time to fight again ("lose"/"retreat" from short-term battles to find a way and win in the long-term, which is really all it comes down to in the end).

kristina tan
hi18-k

Anonymous said...

whatever buys you enough time to plot your own scheme -- the difficult part is determining the opportune moment of surrender. surrendering too early may cause the enemy to become suspicious of your motives and surrendering too late would mean you might not have the ability to recover military force because you've been hit too severely.

i agree that, sometimes, surrender is inevitable -- even beneficial. i also think that using the japanese as an example was a wonderful way of putting the law in perspective. i think this law clearly defines Surrender from Defeat -- you recognize the superior power in the former and you fail to recognize the power in the latter (you had to learn the hard way).

kyra ballesteros hi18K

Unknown said...

This law actually applies to my life today, and I would like to use it as a means for hoping that one day my team will gain the power this law entails.

I am a part of the Ateneo softball team and we lost a game against UP last Saturday. We surrendered to this team and showed our weaknesses [because it was the first game and we knew other teams were watching out for our weaknesses] in hopes of using this strategy against our future opponents. Now that others have seen where we lack, we can now prove others wrong and show the power we really have.

Same goes for any situation. This can be a strategy for gaining the power one hopes for: giving something up in order to gain something in return.

Gia Fortun
Hi18 - K

Anonymous said...

i agree with kyra in that the difficult part is knowing the opportune moment and grabbing it right before it passes you. this is a law that requires a lot of in-depth analysis on the user's part. for it to be successful, i think it's impt to play with your opponent's egos as well. it's impt to inflate them such that they think they're almighty. it'll be easier for you to pull off a surprise attack that way, and hopefully tilt the balance to your benefit.

ocampo 18-k

Anonymous said...

It's like how the Greeks fell back, defend and counter-attack at the right times. No senseless bushido code here, sir. Fight another day. Honor is meaningless when dead and lost.

Dylan Valerio
Hi18L

Serica Chua Rojas said...

This kind of reminds me of the law that says something about not appearing too perfect. By surrendering, in a way, it signals the enemy to exert a little less force to fight against you because it shapes the "they've already lost so why even bother?"-type of mentality. And that could obviously work to your great advantage.

Chua Rojas, Serica
Hi 18 - L

Anonymous said...

This law makes an excellent point. It's a really good trick actually. When someone surrenders, all of his/her rivals would instantly think that they've won. Little do they know that their opponent is, in reality, a leap ahead of them and that the battle hasn't ended yet.

Monica Copuyoc
Hi18- L

chiocebrero said...

I agree with Serica. Surrendering can indeed put one in an excellent position.

Also, I think that most winners have to taste loss at one point in their lives. Loss and surrender often "fuels the fire" and is often humbling enough to make the one who surrendered where he or she fell short. He or she can then use the hindsight to develop better strategies to take over your enemy in the future.

That said, there are some occassions when the defeated is not given a second chance. Some leaders capture the surrendered opponent and often do not give them any chance to retaliate. In this case, the law cannot be applied.

Chio Cebrero
Hi 18 L

Anonymous said...

For the one who commented above me, maybe what kyra said can apply--finding the right moment to surrender. Find a moment where your enemy will be lulled to a false sense of security (like Ria said) and bide your time wisely. This whole law can be dependent on timing. Of course, your enemy can react in an unexpected way. That's when you have to watch out.

Theresa Rosario Tan
hi18k

Anonymous said...

Time is more often than not the enemy of the powerful. If someone chooses to attack they're probably at optimal power and have a minimum chance of losing. Time can also be the friend of the weak, and choosing to surrender not only buys you time to get stronger, it also, if you're lucky, puts you in a position where, depending on your circumstances and how good you are at flattery, seduction and manipulation, you can get a pretty good view of your enemy's flaws. I think the earlier comments and the post itself pretty much established this, but I had to say it. Sorry. Anyway, think Severus Snape, who played an integral role in the Battle of Hogwarts (yes, i'm a GEEK). By continuing to appear to serve the dark side while actually having defected to the other side (whatever you call it), he kept himself within Voldemort's chain of command. Being under someone makes you privy to secrets you wouldn't learn if you were decidedly against them (i.e. dead). It makes you appear weak and less like a threat (therefore keeps you safe). It also helps you win.
Du, L

krizia said...

Oh no, this law makes me a little iffy. This law could work but I wouldn't bet my life on it. If I had a choice between surrendering and fighting 'til death, I'd choose the latter one. In a battle, there are two things I'd like to avoid: 1) I'd never ever want my enemy to have a taste of victory and, 2) I'd wouldn't want to die without dignity.
It's going to be hard, starting from the bottom anyway. Why give up something you already have? Surrendering is no reassurance that you'll rise to power eventually. Also, I'm not saying you won't. Again, this could work. It's just that it feels a little too risky.

krizia said...

oops! forgot to put my name!
Krizia Javate Hi18-K

Anonymous said...

It’s just like striking back when you least expect it. It reminds me of my law (Law 12: Use selective honesty and generosity to disarm your victim). Step B in following this law is building up a disguise, where you should have a reputable name because the people will not fall for the trap otherwise. You must not be transparent at all costs to avoiding jeopardizing the risk of your cover being blown. (Keep in mind that your objective is to break down your victim’s barrier so that he/she may be vulnerable for your advantage.) It’s just like diverting the attention and again, striking back when they have put their guard down.

Mara Liboro
Hi18-K

Gliza Marasigan said...

This law gives a nice tactic to succeeding in battle. Pretty much everyone, because of our innate competitiveness, has the desire to win. When you're opponent is out to crush you, act it out. Try surrendering, so that in that case they'll think you're weaker and are conceding. With that, they'll exert less force on you and that's when you can attack them from behind. Their joy from their 'victory' could distract them from completely destroying you

But, it's always good to have a back-up plan just in case your rival has deciphered this tactic.

Gliza Marasigan
Hi18-L

Anonymous said...

i never thought that the act of surrendering can actually be used as strategy. For me, its an act of shame and desperation and if i were to be in a battle, i would rather die than surrender. Now i see it in a different light.

I think this law, when executed perfectly, can indeed be very destructive. It's like an attack from behind, or an inside job. All it takes is an instance where your enemy has let their guards down, and then boom! stab them from behind. But it's also important to have careful planning. this tactic is indeed a little risky. You have to be real good at sneaking.

Kriska Rivadillo
Hi18 K

Anonymous said...

First of, when this law is being applied to just one specific person, I will respect his/her decision whether or not he/she would risk his/her life till the end.

However, when one is part of a group, I agree that you can't just "go go go" in a fight even if you know that you are surrounded. Especially when you are the leader/general of an army, you can't just order all your troops to do their best and die with honor. You have to remember that it's not just your life you're dealing with here.

You also have to make a strategy on how to approach the situation. One of many possible strategies is this law, to surrender before you're down under. When successful in turning the tides, you, together with your people, can defeat the opponent and taste the glory for yourselves.

Why die in glory if you can live in it?

Tom Manahan
Hi 18-K

Roshmia said...

I think this law can be manipulated in many ways.
1) Truly surrender. If you value life more than gain then this is for you. But if you're one of those people that would rather die than surrender, try the next one.
2) Military Tactic. Once you surrender, you have put your opponent in a state of complacency and this becomes the perfect time to strike hard! (See Law 21)
3) Surrender and Fight another day.
Swallow your pride and be smart!

-Roshmia Pundato
HI18-L

Anonymous said...

I think this is a smart strategy. Usually when people talk about surrendering, they always have pessimistic responses (thinking how can that person can ever win a battle if he would just end up surrendering). However, it is important to take note the advantages of surrendering.

First of all, surrendering can give you more time in preparing for battle once again but this time you know your points of weakness and have the power to work on those. Second, this can give your opponents a false sense of security that you do not pose as a threat. How many times have we heard of underdog stories, stories of people who were perceived as someone who "didn't belong" and someone unable to achieve greatness. Those who made these false perceptions were the ones left with their jaw dropping to the floor, unable to fathom how they stupidly underestimated their opponents. By showing "weakness" in surrendering, you are able to give your opponents security that you won't harm them since you're "incapable" of doing so. You end up tricking them and you're given the advantage of striking when they least expect it.

Teri Marcelo
Hi 18-K

Reggae Princess said...

An interesting and smart tactic indeed.

I agree completely with Ria's comment. In surrendering, you are throwing your opponent off-guard. So she's right in pointing out two possibilities of how the opponent takes your surrendering.

The best thing about this is that I don't think timing matters with regards to this law. In battle, armies beforehand create their own strategies. Since it's a battle, the least thing they would expect is for the other to surrender.

If you use this tactic somewhere in the beginning or the end (even though you're not losing), you would create confusion on the opponent's part and their strategy would more likely be thrown away. This opens up a weak point which you can strike at.

If you use this tactic sometime when you're about to lose, you would create the false sense of security. You would make them think that it's over making them lower their defenses, while you take the time to strengthen yours.

The surrender tactic is a win-win thing, in that it brings about an element of surprise in battle.

-Marion Causing, Hi18-K

Unknown said...

Just saw Hannibal during the film viewing in class today. The Carthaginians' seemingly insurmountable battle against the 80,000 Romans demonstrates this law very well, in my opinion. Hannibal's choice to make it seem like they were on the losing end gave the Romans false hope, and eventually their numbers were whittled down eventually thanks to surprise flanks and delayed tactics. They subdued about 60,000 in that fight by playing possum. Simply amazing.

Joey Palma
Hi18-K

Unknown said...

It always feels good to be recognized as the stronger one. For one on his way to power, people surrendering before him can't be more comforting. It comforts him because of the numbers of his men that are still alive and that boosts his confidence. To the one surrendering, this could be advantageous - masking strength with weakness. Then when the time is right, strike and win. I think this law has some connection with timing since one has to know when to surrender and when to press on.


Denis Flores
Hi 18K

Anonymous said...

Thank you for all the comments :D

@Krizia: I agree with the last thing you said, it is very risky to employ this tactic, especially when you find your enemy a very ruthless and merciless one. Regardless however, I still believe that the chances that this will fail is far less than the chances you'll have when you continue fighting. Again, martyrdom can inspire, but I think I'd rather reserve that honor for the saints:P

Alan Ortiz
HI18 K

Anonymous said...

EDIT: ...you'll have in succeeding if you continue fighting... sorry!
Alan Ortiz
HI18K

Anonymous said...

I think this law is a strategy of mind. We have to outwit the others by playing above them. We have to know what they are thinking and act accordingly. Pretending / acting like you surrender and give up will make the guards of the opponent loose, I think it is wise to attack when the guards are loose. It is always advantageous and easier to act when the opponent is not ready.

Yu Chin Hong
Hi18-K

Say said...

I guess what becomes a problem with the law is a battle within the self... pride would tell us to keep on fighting for honor etc...

We have to know when we're beat... as mentioned earlier, time it in such a way that it doesn't become a suspicious retreat, but still allows recovery from the loss...

learn when to give up, learn from those mistakes and move on to fight another day...

On another note, this law kind of goes at the risk of the 15th law of power (crush your enemy totally)

Jame Say
Hi18-K

Sean said...

this can be seen in Philippine history. When the Japanese came and conquered the Philippines, the two last strongholds did not survive for a few months. However, as a result of the surrender, the Philippine's guerilla forces emerged. The guerilla forces of the Philippines remained to be a thorn in the neck of the Japanese until the end of their occupation here.

Sean Co
Hi 18 K

Anonymous said...

I agree with Jame.
This law would be hard to achieve when you have conflicts within yourself, between pride and surrender.
What makes you victorious is not on the matter of surrender but how you think about the situation itself. If you think surrender is the end of everything and think that you are lost or inferior to your enemy, then you are not transforming weakness to power but to an end.
But if you consider the surrender as your opportunity to know the enemy better and attack whenever they aren't cautious, then it is the best application of this law.

Hae In Lee
Hi 18 K

Unknown said...

i agree with bea ocampo. to know the right moment, you should
master the art of timing. surrender and make them bring you back in their camp as a prisoner. then you can penetrate your enemy and learn about them. but that is you ever get back to your own camp.


jaclyn yap
hi18 K
law #35:master the art of timing

Anonymous said...

I love the rattlesnake example. Surrender isn't always a sign of weakness. It becomes weak, when cowardice is the reason for such an action. But if one were to use it as a means to regroup and retaliate, then it shows that one is wise, determined, ad actually holds a certain degree of power. So never be afraid to surrender, especially if it is necessary.

Paolo Banaga
Hi 18-L

Anonymous said...

It is wise to use the surrender tactic in order to overthrow an enemy. This law is not a sign of desperation or only to use as a last resort. This law could save a lot of time, effort, and money which could be used with other projects or tasks. This law mainly stresses the point that in order to overthrow an enemy, one must put aside his or her own pride and surrender as a sign of preserving ones power.

Richard Hahn
L

Anonymous said...

I agree with Richard that this law is not a sign of desperation. It's actually hard to let your pride go just to appear you're surrendering...but then i don't think this is a law applicable to modern times. the surrender tactic first requires the doer to LIE to the enemy that they're retreating or surrendering, then when the enemy is off-guard, strikes at them. (Some may think the enemy is just stupid to believe in the revelation, but who would doubt the rising of a white flag?) Nowadays, if you lie like that, you'll get sued or something.

Chris Macalinao
Hi18 - L

Anonymous said...

In essence, it is true; but surrender is not a word acceptable in wars and in battles. Actually, the military frowns on it because it is un-military. Surrender is in fact a symbol of cowardice; you give up because you are afraid to directly confront your enemy. Hence, you totally yield to your enemy and allow him all the chance to annihilate you. At the time of surrender, you put yourself at the mercy of an aggressive foe; and then, without giving you a chance to prepare yourself for another fight, he’ll crush you.

Czarina Kathryne Masagca
Hi18-L

Anonymous said...

I really like your analogy of the rattlesnake. I think animals are great examples of this law because they have so many techniques and instinctual actions that come into play when trying to survive. A very intelligent move is that which some animals use their resources and their actions to trick their opponent into thinking that they are weak, using this distracted moment, and utilizing it to their benefit


Regina A. Yulo
Hi 18 L

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Anonymous said...

you guys are a bunch of paranoid morons. Unless you're a general in war, drop the paranoia of everyone's out to crush you. Leader's have power because of their way of life, not by phony ass paranoid tactics. THANK YOU!!!!!

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Vinicio Steven Flores Hernandez said...

I recently had a similar situation in which surrender was the way to go: the most senior engineer in my team was granted with the tech lead responsability. Though, he's pretty fearful and my networking with other engineers around the world, who work for our same organization, bothered him and practically used his role to monitor and review every communication, if I don't do it , he places a nasty 1:1 to yell at me on how I'm "skipping the chain of command". When the time came I decided to submit to him and send to him every email and communication for his approval. In the other hand, all I'm doing is to learn the way he does his work, his strenghts & weaknesses. When the time comes I'll crush him and get him out of my way.

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