Abyss Quote by Vaclav Havel
“Every consession gives rise to further concessions, we cannot back down, because behind us there is only an abyss, we must keep our promises and demand that they be kept.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Address to the Nation, Czechoslovakia, 1990
Compromise leads to more demands; standing firm is essential to avoid collapse and uphold promises
In simple terms: Compromise invites more demands; stay firm to keep promises
Key Takeaway
Stand firm, honor commitments
Themes
integrity
politics
leadership
Mood
determined
serious
Type
political
motivational
When to use this quote
- political negotiations
- business contracts
- personal relationships
- team management
Key Concepts
Negotiation
power dynamics
ethical responsibility
Questions to Reflect On
- When is compromise justified?
- How do you balance firmness with flexibility?
A Different Perspective
Compromise may be necessary in some contexts to achieve progress
![“[The Dalai Lama] told me some years ago, "I've made every concession to China, and I've been as open and tolerant as I could, and still things get worse in Tibet." If you look at it from one point of view, as he himself says, his monastic position of forbearance and nonviolence hasn't reaped any…” quote by Pico Iyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/9fe/pico-iyer-1252_benefits_the-dalai-lama-told-me-some-years-ago-i_678.jpg)
