It is more harmful to compromise one s own beliefs than to adhere to them

A person acquires his beliefs through education, experience, nurturing, life lessons, pragmatism and wisdom. As an individual grows up, he cultivates beliefs about philosophy and principles of life, ways of living, professional etiquettes, society, own self, etc. The statement contends that compromising one’s belief is more harmful than adhering to them. Given that in certain circumstances, adhering to one’s beliefs can also be as damaging as compromising them in the other instances, the statement is an unfair generalization about the importance of one’s beliefs.

Admittedly, in many scenarios compromising one’s beliefs can be detrimental for oneself as well as the society. An individual is defined by the beliefs and principles he holds dear to him. Compromising one’s beliefs, especially when they are virtuous, would result in the loss of his credibility and identity in the society. For example, during the British rule in India many freedom fighters believed in militant agitation to achieve India’s independence; whereas Gandhi had his own non-violent approach of ‘Satyagraha’. Had he compromised his beliefs to toady to the masses, his name would not have immortalized in the annals of history. Similarly, when people compromise selfless and altruistic beliefs, it leaves a wrong precedent for others wanting to contribute to the society. Moreover, as an adage states ‘beliefs in one’s abilities to succeed is the first step towards success. Compromising self-confidence and self-belief in the face of hardships would devoid an individual of the necessary driving force, motivation and the inner compass necessary to achieve career and life goals.

However, in many circumstances compromising one’s beliefs can help prevent much harm to the individual and his surroundings. Beliefs founded on unethical, racist and sexist backgrounds must better be laid off for the good of the society. For example, had Hitler compromised his racist beliefs of Aryan supremacy and Jewish conspiracy, he could have averted the catastrophic carnage to his country and the world. Likewise, compromising beliefs that defies reality and pragmatism is less harmful than adhering to them. Consider a drug addict who believes that injecting marijuana alleviates his sufferings. Compromising such unrealistic believes could seriously contribute to the well-being of an individual. Moreover, self-centred beliefs, when compromised, results in the overall welfare of the society. For instance, compromising the anthropocentric beliefs about the purpose of nature is a requisite to conserve the ecosystem and tackle climate change.

Furthermore, a willingness to compromise one’s beliefs opens up new opportunities for growth, advancement and progress. Consider, for example, a debate between entrepreneurs planning to generate employment through new industries and environmental activists opposing the move for preserving the local flora and fauna. Rigidity on either side would impede progress and merely an urge to listen to others’ perspectives and modify, or even compromise, some of one’s beliefs would result in growth. Similarly, it is through questioning of one’s beliefs, constantly putting them to tests and acceptance of their flaws that human knowledge advances. Had Copernicus not tested the Catholic beliefs about Earth’s revolution, human knowledge on astronomy would have lagged by centuries. Professionals stuck in their old methods and ideas would never learn new concepts and techniques that might help them in their occupation.

Lastly, beliefs are formed with particular context and time where both of them change. Inflexibility to adapt one’s beliefs to the need of the time may prove harmful. For example, while with the experience of two world wars, nations have believed that military and defence preparedness are keys for national security; the current COVID-19 pandemic alludes that healthcare professionals and medical preparedness would prove to be the most crucial determinants for a country’s survival in the future.

In conclusion, whether compromising or adhering to one’s beliefs would prove to be more harmful is dictated by the circumstances. While compromising righteous, altruistic and self beliefs is detrimental for the person and the society, adhering to unethical, racist, selfish and unrealistic views is equally harmful. Finally, compromising beliefs is at times becomes necessary for growth and adaptability to the demanding situations.