“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.”
- October 2, 1869 – January 30, 1948
- British Indian Empire
- Lawyer, religious leader, social activist, political leader
- As a leader of the Indian independence movement, he advocated non-violent resistance (Satyagraha) and contributed to India’s independence from Britain.
Quote
“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.”
Explanation
In this statement, Gandhi underscores the sacredness of fundamental principles and warns against compromising on them. He recognizes that compromise is often necessary in human relationships and negotiations, where give and take can lead to mutual understanding and agreement. However, when it comes to core beliefs or moral values, there can be no compromise because it would mean sacrificing something essential to one’s identity or ethical integrity. To give up on such principles, even in the name of peace or unity, would not be a negotiation, but a surrender of one’s convictions.
This idea reflects Gandhi’s deep commitment to non-violence (ahimsa), truth (satya), and justice, which he considered the bedrock of his philosophy. For Gandhi, these ideals were not negotiable or subject to compromise under any circumstances. The quote is a call to stand firm on one’s fundamental beliefs and not to allow them to be diluted or distorted by external pressures or conflicts.
In a broader, modern context, this quote encourages individuals to maintain integrity when facing moral dilemmas, emphasizing that while compromise is often necessary in day-to-day life, it should never come at the cost of core values or ethical principles. Gandhi teaches us to recognize the line between negotiable and non-negotiable values, ensuring that our actions remain aligned with our deepest commitments.
