Compromise

Two monks came to the Java master with very different implementation strategies for a particular project. Each presented their case with passion and conviction.

After some consideration, the master told them to divide up the subsystems. Each monk would take half and proceed with their preferred strategy.

The first monk protested: “For any given problem, is there not often one solution which is superior?”

The second monk was equally unhappy: “And even if the superior choice is unclear, is it not generally better to proceed consistently, and thus avoid chaos?”

“Yes,” said the Java master. “Were neither of you paying attention?”