Bargaining Quote by George Mikes
“Bargaining is a repulsive habit; compromise is one of the highest human virtues - the difference between the two being that the first is practised on the Continent, the latter in Great Britain.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: "The British and the Continent", 1955, satire on cultural habits
Bargaining is seen as distasteful, while compromise is praised, reflecting cultural differences in negotiation style
In simple terms: Compromise is virtuous, bargaining is disliked
Key Takeaway
Value compromise over aggressive bargaining
Themes
culture
negotiation
ethics
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- business deals
- diplomatic talks
- personal relationships
- legal settlements
Key Concepts
cultural norms
conflict resolution
social etiquette
Questions to Reflect On
- When is firm bargaining more appropriate?
- How can cultures learn from each other's negotiation styles?
A Different Perspective
Compromise can lead to suboptimal outcomes if overused
