Real life is, to most men, a long second-best, a perpetual compromise between the ideal and the possible but the read more

Real life is, to most men, a long second-best, a perpetual compromise between the ideal and the possible but the world of pure reason knows no compromise, no practical limitations, no barrier to the creative activity.

The 'morality of compromise' sounds contradictory. Compromise is usually a sign of weakness, or an admission of defeat. Strong men read more

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.

People talk about the middle of the road as though it were unacceptable. Actually, all human problems, excepting morals, come read more

People talk about the middle of the road as though it were unacceptable. Actually, all human problems, excepting morals, come into the gray areas. Things are not all black and white. There have to be compromises. The middle of the road is all of the usable surface. The extremes, right and left, are in the gutters.

Compromise, if not the spice of life, is its solidity. It is what makes nations great and marriages happy.

Compromise, if not the spice of life, is its solidity. It is what makes nations great and marriages happy.

I'm a compromiser and a maneuverer. I try to get "something." That's the way our system works.

I'm a compromiser and a maneuverer. I try to get "something." That's the way our system works.

It is the weak man who urges compromise--never the strong man.

It is the weak man who urges compromise--never the strong man.

The compromise will always be more expensive than either of the suggestions it is compromising.

The compromise will always be more expensive than either of the suggestions it is compromising.

An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile--hoping it will eat him last.

An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile--hoping it will eat him last.

Compromise used to mean that half a loaf was better than no bread. Among modern statesmen it really seems to read more

Compromise used to mean that half a loaf was better than no bread. Among modern statesmen it really seems to mean that half a loaf is better than a whole loaf.