Compromise is a dangerous notion, but so too is stubbornness. In today's ever changing world there are a myriad of solutions to an infinitude of differing problems, ponderings and "situations". One need not go into the details of world conflict, peace processes or devastated regions to realise this. Nor is it necessary to plunge into many of the complicated discourses concerning the (comparatively) mundane events of our lives that are beautifully small yet sweet, stable and happy. Ah, to be of the lucky few. Yet, what awaits ahead for our society is as frightening as that which has daunted our predecessors. It seems that although Utopia was in reach, with resources easily distributable and huge technological know-how, a world of uncertainty remains, and the visage of Utopia burns in ruin.
I am not being pessimistic, and I am not simply giving in, saying that "its too hard, no more, let me out." But no matter the technology, knowledge or experiences of humans in their individual nation states, there will not be any mythological "Justice". Compromise is the sanctification of such a time. It is the product of lengthy discussions, whether over children's packed lunches being nicked by one runt or the other, or peace negotiations of any kind. Neither party involved in a disagreement has full acceptance over terms, yet both agree to "the best possibilities for now". To carry on with previous demands on either side is deemed foolish, costly and most uncertain. You could lose your lunch, look stupid in front of your mates, lose a war, lose a people. I am not a gambling man, but life is certainly not a game. Are there any decisions in life that are not debated between men to be diluted or forsaken for petty gains simply due to a power interplay between the concerned parties?
Compromise does not induce Justice, rather it can enshrine the opposite. It is compromise that shuts up someone of meagre stature in the hope that the mugger will be appeased, and it is compromise that allows forced marriages and consequent rape because the girl cannot adequately fend for herself. Whenever a new opinion presents itself, no matter how fair, solutions must be compromised. Yet there appears little else that we can do. A constantly shifting set of goal posts to accommodate ever changing interests, we are a people who think of the short term possibilities and not of fanciful ideals. And it is for us that we think, with the rest of humanity a blissfully distant second. Too right too, I do not want my provisions compromised. If Utopia cannot exist everywhere, then let it exist for us here for the privileged few. Has it not always existed somewhere in the world, at the expense of the rest? It is the nature of man, his selfish gene, that leads me to think that there will always be the strong and the weak. His nature has not changed, and nor have our problems despite the advances in science. I'm not sure if there is any way to tell if we are a truly better off society globally than in the past, considering the potential that we have squandered in front of us.
Next week, see how much you have to compromise. Of course, my guess is that most of it is just politeness. But do go find a good cause, and see what you can effect. And don't be superficial, but see if the system works against you to thwart your little idea. Perhaps that would convince you of the impossibility of idealism. What would it take for a man to not compromise, to risk that little extra and not be bought off or sidelined? More than food or money I'm sure. I hope you all had good holidays. Welcome back to Imperial.
The Simplicity of Fairness 
