Commandment Quote by John Gregory Dunne
“The eleventh commandment of a motion picture negotiation: Thou shalt not take less than thy last deal.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Hollywood: The Dream Factory by John Gregory Dunne, 1998
Negotiators should never accept a deal worse than their previous best, protecting their value.
In simple terms: Never settle for less than your last deal.
Always aim for equal or better terms.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- contract signing
- salary discussions
- freelance gigs
- real estate deals
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What is your baseline deal and how do you protect it?
- When is it okay to accept a lower offer?
May limit flexibility in fast‑moving markets where compromise is needed.