The Calculated Cut: “Sacrifice a Small Part to Save the Whole”​

The 36 Stratagems offer a versatile toolbox for navigating complex situations. “Sacrifice a small part to save the whole” emphasizes the importance of strategic sacrifice, a concept often difficult but ultimately rewarding.​


  • The Pruning Process:
    • Imagine a gardener meticulously trimming a bonsai tree. While seemingly a loss, removing excess branches allows the tree to flourish in the long run. This stratagem highlights the importance of willingly giving up a smaller element to protect the greater good.​
  • A Calculated Loss:
    • The sacrifice can be a physical asset like territory, resources, or even personnel. The key is to ensure the sacrificed element is of significantly less value than what you aim to preserve. Imagine surrendering a less critical outpost to protect a vital stronghold.​
  • A Long-Term Vision:
    • This stratagem is all about perspective. The short-term sacrifice paves the way for long-term gain. Imagine sacrificing a product line to free up resources for research and development, ultimately leading to a more innovative and successful product line.​
  • Weighing the Scales:
    • Careful evaluation is crucial. Meticulously analyze the potential benefits of the sacrifice and ensure it outweighs the loss. Sacrificing too much can weaken your overall position and lead to unintended consequences.​
  • Beyond the Battlefield:
    • This stratagem extends far beyond warfare. Imagine a business leader cutting back on expenses to invest in employee training, or a student sacrificing some social activities to focus on studying for a crucial exam.​
  • Strength Through Sacrifice:
    • “Sacrifice a small part to save the whole” teaches the importance of difficult choices and calculated risk-taking. By strategically giving up a lesser element, you can protect and strengthen the bigger picture, proving that sometimes, the most significant growth comes from making well-considered sacrifices.​

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