I have a friend that used to always ask me, "What's good?" The question was designed to tilt my perspective, and evaluate my thoughts and circumstances critically. Lately I've had to consider the notion that critical thought is more than intense attention to a topic, rather it is intense attention to the antithesis of a topic.
I believe that it is this idea that defines most clearly what it means to compromise. That compromise isn't a disregard of your opinion, but rather a regard for the opposing viewpoint. When I consider the moments in my life where I have seen the greatest accomplishment, the most victory, it is frequently after a long fought and bitter debate. When I have had the sweetest moments, or remember the times when my relationships were refined into something stronger, it is the times when each side has finally been able to see the other's perspective.
Far too often compromise is viewed as giving up, and the goal of debate is to avoid giving in. What if compromise was instead the result of a culmination of the best of an idea, and debate intended to challenge, refine, and strengthen its opponents point of view? Listening isn't about understanding the context or comprehending someone's meaning. Listening is about incarnating with their story, beliefs, and conclusions and realizing that their viewpoint is valuable. Considering that not only can an opposing view be helpful but that often those that propose such an ideal do so with the best intentions, and information available to them, and that their intentions and information are good and complete. If such considerations were allowed, wouldn't the resulting conversation promote peace, understanding, and advancement?
What would our schools sound like if the thunder of lively debate and complex thought could be heard echoing in the halls? What would our boardrooms look like if participants were engaged and vocal about their ideas? What would our churches feel like if congregants discussed complex beliefs and evaluated each moment? What would our political system accomplish if parties could learn from each other instead of spending their time destroying one another?
I think it's time we start taking more boldly, and listening more intently. I think it's time compromise didn't mean the same thing as concession. I think it's time people were valued for their ideas, not by their ideas. I think it's time we engage.