Reference: Fabius in war against Hannibal. Wearing Hannibal down by largely avoiding battle rather than taking more action, and letting the opposition wear themselves down and spend energy.
Insight: Inaction or deliberate restraint is often viewed as a sign of weakness, where it may be the most optimal strategy.
Insight: Fabian was special for what he didn't do, for demonstrating patience, despite political pressure to take action (because of our innate action bias).
Reference: The Battle of Cannae in the Second Punic War (218-201 B.C.), Hannibal against the Roman armies. Hannibal employed strategies of speed and deception to destroy the Roman armies. When Quintus Fabius Maximus (for which the Fabian Strategy is named) was appointed to deal with Hannibal he recognised that facing Hannibal in direct battle would play into his strengths, so he adopted the strategy of avoiding direct conflict, and wearing down Hannibal's armies, to great success.
Key Insights & Principles
Strategy & Decision Making
Direct conflict or action is not always the optimal strategy.
As humans we have a bias towards action, which can result in social pressure to take action.
Patience and restraint can sometimes be optimal, often followed by more strategic or timely action.
Practice deliberate restraint and do not rush into action.
Conserve resources. Put yourself in a position to take advantage when the timing is right.
