Countdown to Christmas
11 - Tolerance
- Tolerance is a fair, objective, and permissive attitude towards those whose opinions, practices, race, religion, nationality, etc., differ from one's own
- Tolerance is a prerequisite for humans to be able to live together and at the same time allow everyone to live according to his or her individual style
- The tolerant do not have the duty to tolerate or submit to the intolerant, as this could ultimately destroy tolerance - nor may they suppress the expression of intolerant views or opinions, but must counter them with means that uphold civil liberties and the rule of law
Gift Idea
This fridge magnet with Beatrice Hall’s conception of Voltaire’s belief is a friendly reminder to take a deep breath and relax when you find yourself confronted with a hard to bear opinion, clothing style or food choice from someone – be it from the teenager in the house, his or her friends or the somewhat difficult neighbour. As long as they do not harm you, i.e. forcing you to think, eat or dress the same you do not have to feel annoyed – try celebrating difference instead. After all, it is also because of different ideas that we can enjoy choosing from different options today.
Additional Resources
On K. Popper’s Paradox of Tolerance