Idea Ripper // ArchiveCards: 1555 [Live] | Updated: 2026-10-14
Card #c132IR // #c132Synthesis

The ninth rule: The threat is usually more terrifying than the thing itself.

— In our words · Source: Rules for Radicals (Saul D. Alinsky)

[Use when]

When you have leverage but not the strength to spend it.

[Why it matters]

Imagination does the work of force — the enemy's fear of what you might do outruns anything you could actually do.

More from Rules for Radicals

#c124Always remember the first rule of power tactics: Power is not only what you have but what the enemy thinks you have.When you're outnumbered and need to look bigger than you are. #c125The second rule is: Never go outside the experience of your people. When an action or tactic is outside the experience of the people, the…Before trying a tactic your people have never seen before. #c126The third rule is: Wherever possible go outside of the experience of the enemy. Here you want to cause confusion, fear, and retreat.When you're planning how the enemy will react to something new.