Ma Su: “The enemy’s mind is more important than his city. Psychological struggle is superior to armed struggle.” This passage shows the capabilities of Ma Su when he contributed this quote to Zhuge Liang during the southern expedition campaign to pacify the Man. The enemy’s mind is of the utmost important for conquering it will bring everlasting peace and prosperity.
A region that is taken without pacifying is useless since rebellions will keep occurring. Psychologically subdue the enemy’s mind so both leader and followers will submit wholeheartedly. Subduing the enemy psychologically is 10x superior than subduing them with armed struggle. If one can mentally break down the enemy’s mind, nothing is unachievable. Armed struggle itself promotes the dreaded ill chain of vengeance and hatred.
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To win the hearts & minds of the enemy populace is a most difficult task.Any ideas ’bout how to end conflicts on favorable terms (to all parties),without sowing the seeds for future conflict?
Subdue the enemy with harsh and lenient tactics would be what Zhuge would say