36+stratagems,+the+term+stratagem

The term "stratagem"
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The term "Stratagem" "Stratagem" is a rather ancient word for a ruse. Harro von Senger used the word "stratagem" in his translation of the 36 stratagems to differentiate them from the negative connotation of "ruse".

In the German "Duden" dictionary, "List" (ruse) is defined as

-a means of reaching a goal unorthodoxically by deceiving somebody -a means of reaching a goal unorthodoxically. As "ruse" is normally associated with deception, damage and harm, Senger used "stratagem" as a more neutral word to clarify that the second meaning, to reach a goal unorthodoxically, mostly by masquerading the intent and doing the unexpected, is meant.