If all else fails, retreat

From 475 BC to 249 BC, China was in a Warring States Period. 7 states fought incessantly for control and power. Out of this turbulent time, the 36 Stratagems emerged. It summarized universal techniques to dominate your opponent.

The most important of these stratagems is the last one:

If all else fails, retreat.

Surrendering is a complete loss. A compromise is a half loss. But a retreat is not a loss at all. You live to fight another day. Victory remains a possibility.