kramer and sprenger discuss how witches, through the influence of the devil, can manipulate human emotions by indirect means rather than direct control over human will. this manipulation reflects the idea that while witches cannot force emotions such as love or hatred directly, they can foster the circumstances and conditions that make individuals susceptible to these feelings. they clarify the distinction between direct and indirect causes, explaining: > "the cause of anything can be understood in two ways; either as direct, or as indirect. for when something causes a disposition to some effect, it is said to be an occasional and indirect cause of that effect." malleus maleficarum, part i, question vii this concept of indirect influence aligns with the strategic thinking found in sun tzus "the art of war". sun tzu describes the use of indirect methods in warfare, showing how they can be just as effective, if not more so, than direct confrontation. he writes: > "in all fighting, the direct method may be used for joining battle, but indirect methods will be needed in order to secure victory." sun tzu, the art of war, chapter 5, "energy".
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