Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin

That seems to be apocryphal, with "sources" just copying other repeaters of the story.

The story also doesn't seem to make sense as told. (Ironic considering the neighbor comment about source attribution.)

Why would saying different words make someone willing to give up their arms?

You can't "what's a dikfore" someone into surrendering.




Linebarger understood the Chinese concept of "face": https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Face_(sociological_concept)#Ch...

Young men with guns might have been more willing to go down fighting if they'd felt their surrender was dishonorable. Linebarger's tactic "sweetened the deal", and very likely saved a lot of lives.




Consider applying for YC's Fall 2025 batch! Applications are open till Aug 4

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: