Means different things in different contexts. Can just mean: I don’t mind that other people are different from me in certain ways. Can mean political tolerance or religious tolerance. Can mean something more like forbearance (not finding so many things intolerable).
What does tolerance require? Does it mean you can’t disagree, voice your disagreement, feel disgust or disapproval? Or does it just mean you can’t act to suppress? Could wade into the whole “is it intolerant to ‘deplatform’ someone” etc. thing.
Complementary virtues¶
Contrasting vices¶
- bigotry
- intolerance
- being judgmental
Virtues possibly in tension¶
How to acquire or strengthen it¶
- One perspective: “As Plato said, every soul is deprived of truth against its will. The same holds true for justice, self control, goodwill to others, and every similar virtue. It’s essential to constantly keep this in your mind, for it will make you more gentle to all.” —Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 7.63
Notes and links¶
- A good read: "I Can Tolerate Anything Except the Outgroup"
- T.L. Pittinsky & L. Maruskin “Allophilia: Beyond Tolerance”
Mentioned elsewhere¶
TBD
Inspirational quotes¶
- Popper: “If we extend unlimited tolerance even to those who are intolerant, if we are not prepared to defend a tolerant society against the onslaught of the intolerant, then the tolerant will be destroyed, and tolerance with them.”
- Lalande: “It is a misnomer to call the respect for religious freedom tolerance, for it is nothing other than justice and entirely an obligation.”
- Louis Prat: “We should not say tolerance but respect; otherwise we insult moral dignity. In our language, the word tolerance all too often connotes politeness, or pity, or indifference; this may be why the idea of respect owed to honest freedom of thought is distorted in most minds.”
