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A strategy to keep yourself in a position of power by making a group of people disagree and fight with one another so that they will not join together against you, the ruler or conquerer. In the workplace, this phrase is sometimes used to break down a problem into smaller tasks or problems until they become simple enough to be solved and overcome.

Why it matters

This maxim has been used by colonial rulers, such as Julius Ceasar and Napoleon Bonaparte, to gain power over the world and the strategy is still used today. It can feel offensive and traumatic to some people when they hear this phrase, especially if they, their family, heritage and culture is or has been impacted by such tactics, whether historic or modern.

Instead try saying: