Opportunism

Opportunism (Latin opportunus, low ',' suitable ' ) refers to the adaptation to the appropriate specific situation or location.

Importance

Opportun called " approached with " (literally ), " situated " ( figuratively ), and refers to a favorable opportunity; the optimist goes on, he uses a window of opportunity without regard to consequences or own values ​​to his advantage. It is a mostly negative reception Term: Opportunism questions the usefulness of the principle of loyalty. A weakened form of opportunism can be found in pragmatism or possibly also in realism again. You can see an opportunist ideologues as a counterpoint. In this term context, it is difficult to define or determine the transition between compromise and opportunism. Political opportunism might take long-term disadvantages to achieve agreement in the short term and often means giving up one's own opinion - partly or entirely - in favor of another opinion, which one gives greater chances of general agreement.

Biology

The Darwinian theory of evolution, for example, describes an opportunistic principle in nature. Types of organisms that can adapt to diverse conditions very flexible, are called opportunists. In ecology, opportunism refers to a behavior of seemingly harmless parasites that are dangerous pathogens in a weakened immune system of the host ( see below opportunistic pathogen ).

Economy

In the transaction cost theory is meant by opportunism that the players towards their parties behave strategically and try to enforce their interests (including to the standard contract ), and it also does not cunning, guile and deception cringe. ( Oliver E. Williamson ).

Quotes

• Opportunists are principles riders who change jobs easily. ( Lothar Schmidt)
• The politician, who is guided by opportunism, is like a man who has stopped playing billiards, because he lost a game of billiards, or stop playing golf because he was beaten in golf. ( Gilbert Keith Chesterton )
• Opportunism Sucks, but it is not a monopoly of politicians. ( Helmut Schmidt)
• Humanity and justice are the principles according to which a State is out, but not the army; Opportunism and flexibility, on the other hand are military, not civilian virtues. ( Sun Tzu, "The Art of War" )
• An opportunist is a " Jenachdemer ". ( Wilhelm Busch)
• Opportunism is the art of sailing with the wind, the others do. ( Alessandro Manzoni )