True Tolerance

Most of what passes for tolerance today is intellectual cowardice, a fear of intelligent engagement.

Those who brandish the word “intolerant” are unwilling to be challenged by other views, to grapple with contrary opinions, or even to consider them. It’s easier to hurl an insult—“you intolerant bigot”—than to confront the idea and either refute it or be changed by it.

In the modern era, “tolerance” has become intolerance.

But the “modern” definition of tolerance — “All views have equal merit and none should be considered better than another” — presumes to be a view whose merit is better than any other.

It is self-contradictory and therefore pure nonsense.

The fact is that true tolerance can only be practiced toward those we think are wrong. I can’t tolerate someone unless I disagree with him. I don’t need to “tolerate” people who share my views. They’re on my side, so there’s nothing to “put up” with.

The point of true tolerance is to treat those we disagree with decently and with respect.

Source:

• https://www.str.org/articles/when-tolerance-is-intolerant