Conventional wisdom says we all need to compromise. If only the politicians, bosses, clients, customers, spouses… would compromise. Then, what?

The implied promise is that everything would be great! Sure, neither side would get everything, but both sides would get something, and at least we would be getting things done.

Compromise is overrated. It starts with the premise that we are on different sides. Why do we have to be? It moves to the idea that we can’t get what we want and need. Who says? It suggests that if you don’t give in a little, you’re wrong. What if you’re right?

All compromise is based on give and take, but there can be no give and take on fundamentals. Any compromise on mere fundamentals is surrender. For it is all give and no take.

– Gandhi

As Gandhi said, you can’t compromise on fundamentals. Would you compromise with a serial killer? “How about instead of killing 28 people, you just kill 14. Can’t you meet me half way here?” That just doesn’t work.