Archive for February 11th, 2018
Tolerance
Tolerance has several definitions, courtesy of the Merriam-Webster Dictionary:
“Capacity to endure pain or hardship.”
“Sympathy or indulgence for beliefs or practices differing from or conflicting with one’s own.”
“The act of allowing something.”
As John F. Kennedy is quoted, “Tolerance implies no lack of commitment to one’s own beliefs. Rather it condemns the oppression or persecution of others.”
“Tolerance is giving to every other human being every right that you claim for yourself.” ~ Robert Green Ingersoll
“Human diversity makes tolerance more than a virtue; it makes it a requirement for survival.” ~Rene Dubos
In these instances, tolerance is considered a noble practice as we work toward greater unity and acceptance of one another.
What about when tolerance means ‘enduring pain or hardship’? Too many among us are quietly tolerating all manner of injustice and abuse. At what point does this kind of tolerance become unacceptable? ‘Zero tolerance’ has become a familiar phrase with regard to drugs and alcohol in the workplace, child abuse and neglect, the many inappropriate behaviors that are coming into public awareness. Is there something in your life right now that you would like to change, instead of remaining tolerant?
“Tolerance becomes a crime when applied to evil.” ~Thomas Mann
“Don’t let the behavior of others destroy your inner peace.” ~Dalai Lama
“You must dare to disassociate yourself from those who would delay your journey… Leave, depart, if not physically, then mentally. Go your own way, quietly, undramatically, and venture toward Trueness at last.” ~Vernon Howard
