Idea Ripper // ArchiveCards: 1555 [Live] | Updated: 2026-10-14
Card #c1067IR // #c1067Synthesis

"It lets a purpose appear in order to attract the opponent's attention, but then turns round and conquers by the unexpected." "It lets the first impulse pass by and waits for the second, or even the third."

— In our words · Source: The Art of Worldly Wisdom (Baltasar Gracián)

[Use when]

An opening demand looks too obvious, or you are about to react to the other side's first move.

[Why it matters]

The maxim covers both sides of a feint. The attacker shows a decoy aim. The defender treats the first move as probably false and waits for the second or third before reacting.

Filed under situations:When the other side has more leverageWhen you need a yes and they’re not there yet

More from The Art of Worldly Wisdom

#c1063"They will allow a man to help them but not to surpass them, and will have any advice tendered them appear like a recollection of something…You have to correct someone above you who is proud of their judgment. #c1064"All men are idolaters, some of fame, others of self-interest, most of pleasure. Skill consists in knowing these idols in order to bring…Your good arguments keep failing on someone and you have not asked what they actually want. #c1065"To dissent from others' views is regarded as an insult, because it is their condemnation. Disgust is doubled on account of the thing…You think a popular plan is wrong and are tempted to say so in the all-hands.

Same situation, different book

#c1356Show them the engine, skip the pitchYou have a metric that proves your value better than any presentation.From Cancel Me If You Can #c1322Fill the reservoir of trust before you need itYou'll eventually need a deal with a rival and have no reason yet to talk to them.From Courage Can Save Us #c1279The Smarties test for adultsYou're sure the other side must see what you see.From Trade Outside the Box #c1277Listen and then thinkYou're preparing what to say in a meeting where you haven't yet heard the other side.From The Oxford Handbook of Modern Diplomacy