Quote

The 'morality of compromise' sounds contradictory. Compromise is usually a sign of weakness, or an admission of defeat. Strong men don't compromise, it is said, and principles should never be compromised.

Prudence is but experience, which equal time, equally bestows on all men, in those things they equally apply themselves unto.

Prudence does not mean failing to accept responsibilities and postponing decisions; it means being committed to making joint decisions after pondering responsibly the road to be taken.

I shall argue that strong men, conversely, know when to compromise and that all principles can be compromised to serve a greater principle.

Compromise is but the sacrifice of one right or good in the hope of retaining another - too often ending in the loss of both.

To compromise simply means that you go a tiny bit below what you know is right.

There is nothing more imprudent than excessive prudence.

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

Prudence is not hesitation, procrastination, or moderation. It is not driving in the middle of the road. It is not the way of ambivalence, indecision, or safety.

Economy, prudence, and a simple life are the sure masters of need, and will often accomplish that which, their opposites, with a fortune at hand, will fail to do.