Is it possible to compromise our principles just enough to “win” in a given situation, yet still be a good person?
Consider the following example:
An attractive woman sits at a bar, waiting for her date.
A handsome, well-dressed man approaches her and quietly whispers, “I’ll pay you $1 million to spend the night with me.”
The woman looks him over, quickly weighs her options, and says, “Sure, why not?” The man then asks her, “Would you still be willing to do it for $10?”
“Of course not!” she snaps, “What kind of woman do you think I am?”
The man replies, “We’ve already established what kind of woman you are. Now we just need to settle on a price.”
This tongue-in-cheek story is a good illustration of how abandoning our principles for a perceived short-term gain is a losing proposition.
Our defining principles should be understood as a set of proven values that must be consistently applied in all circumstances rather than bargained away when it’s convenient.
Historically, it has been individuals with uncompromising principles that have lifted mankind and brought about the greatest advancements of humanity.
If personal integrity is a priority to us, then we must clearly understand what is negotiable and what isn’t.
This doesn’t mean that compromise isn’t occasionally necessary in life.
Deciding where to eat lunch is an appropriate place for compromise.
However, when our choices involve foundational principles, compromise should not be an option.
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