Do we ever really compromise?

Question

Do we ever really compromise-- or in the formulation of it, are we not choosing 'the best' answer for ourselves?

yes monaliza that seems to be the sense of the contention.

No, I don't think that does answer my question. I'm talking about when we do make choices.

Here, here... scenario: Given the option to saw off your own leg, or face a gruesome death, aren't you "compromising" what you really want-- which is not to saw off your leg, and not to face a gruesome death? But that "possibility", given the scenario, is so minutely feesible, it does not seem to be a wise option.. wasting time even thinking about it may cause your gruesome death.

So the "compromise" seems to actually be the best choice.

counter-example, critique? anything please.

Answer 1

From the moment we open our eyes our lives are a comprimise. The senses ensure that we view the world in terms of our physical limitations. The ideal inner being and physical shell (no religious connotations) will never be fully at ease with one another. Comprimise is why we walk and do not fly.

In terms of decisions, we again select our "best answer" from a limited choice. What we do and what we have aspired to do are generally different. This is not a negative; the challenges and surprises presented by this are significant

Answer 2

A person's perception of that which is "best" depends on the person themselves. On the "leg" scenario (which I can hardly believe I'm considering)...a control freak would consider that potential death by their own hand would be the obvious option while a fatalist would surrender and do their best to desensitize themselves to the situation. A highly religious person would anticipate divine intervention.

Compromise...from what I understand of your definition is that there are always two alternatives...that which you want and that which someone else wants...true compromise is the "third" option...you receive part of what you want combined with part of what someone else wants...most likely in a combination that was perhaps "inconceivable" on your own.

Answer 3

Some "choices" are forced "choices"; therefore they are not choices at all. I believe that most people deep down have an idea as to what they want. However, they have little or no way of knowing all of the possible consequences of their decisons and therefore whether their own real choices are necessarily good ones.

I hope this reply answers your question.

Answer 4

Its rare but it is possible to see another person's point of view and actually WANT to bring one's own point of view closer in the interest of a greater good for all. Sefishness may be pervasive because it satisfies fragile egos but in the long run its not in the best interests of anyone. Only when we let go of our egos does the truth appear.

Answer 5

We are a selfish species, like it or not. We are constantly looking to better our position over others. In a given situation two people could possibly have similar paths, thus appear to compromise. Yet, they are both advancing to better their position. We call it comprimising, in reality its a situation the by itself improves the two parties. It is us who attribute personal values to situations and things. Things "are", with or without us.

Answer 6

Sure we do. Otherwise there would be constant war and fighting. No one would stay married, kids wouldn't visit family at the holidays, etc. Yeah, compromise is a daily thing that happens without us even realizing it is happening.

Answer 7

Yes, I do compromise.

In every situation I go through in my life, when it comes to make a decision or any regular situation; I always compromise.

I like to do as they say "Hold the Stick from the Middle"

I don't know how to make harsh or lame decisions.

I always choose what's in the middle between them :)

Answer 8

Based on our knowledge and experiences, yes.

But when we expand that knowledge and are able to figure out that our compromise was a limitation, then no.

We, nevertheless, will always face the consequences of our decisions.

Answer 9

I don't think so and I don't think we should. Aside from illogical ideas, we should never compromise for someone else or something else. You can say you compromise but don't actually do it.

Answer 10

Life is full of compromises. If not, everyone would have everything they ever wanted. No one would settle for less.