On Compromise

by John Morley

In this influential 1874 essay, Morley asks the question, "How far, and in what way, ought respect either for immediate practical convenience, or for current prejudices, to weigh against respect for truth?" At once philosophical and practical, Morley's essay remains relevant in today's hyper-partisan political climate.

260 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 1, 2006

About the author

John Morley, 1st Viscount Morley of Blackburn OM, PC was an English Liberal statesman, writer and newspaper editor. Initially a journalist, he was elected a Member of Parliament in 1883. He was Chief Secretary for Ireland in 1886 and between 1892 and 1895, Secretary of State for India between 1905 and 1910 and again in 1911 and Lord President of the Council between 1910 and 1914. Morley was a distinguished political commentator, and biographer of his hero, William Gladstone. Morley is best known for his writings and for his "reputation as the last of the great nineteenth-century Liberals". He opposed imperialism, the Boer War, and British entry into the First World War in 1914.

More on Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viscount...

Reviews

[Tom Calvard · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book purely because it was on the topic of Compromise, which was of interest to me. And the book does contain some thoughtful reflections on problems with being too quick to compromise in a liberal democracy.

However, the style is dated, with long, convoluted sentences and sage 19th century pronouncements on the importance of truth, rationality, enlightenment, progress, and the like.

One wonders what Morley would make of today's 'post-truth' times, and a multipolar world with deep, polarising divides. I suspect he might be horrified, but also perhaps persist in urging people to redouble their efforts to encourage vigorous liberal debate. Don't be too quick to compromise, don't be too quick to attack, but remain unwavering in your commitment to keep reasoning and trying to settle on some form of enlightened truth. What else is there?

[Shahenshah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting because of the political figures this book has influenced, though, I confess, it is a speculation, albeit a damned good one.