“Thinking about that day in Washington D.C. when Dr. King gave his, "I have dream" speech I cannot help but to recognize that it was more than a speech and a dream. It was a prayer. A prayer for freedom for hope that the "Powers That Be" could see that diversity and freedom should not be something to fight against but something to fight for. The fact that that speech resonates today as much as it did in 1963 means that we still have some work to do. However, by looking at the tremendous progress that this country has made, I know that we will make it to the promise land.”

“Then on a different culture level living with Diversity is amazing. Being able to learn from a different group of individuals. Having a conversation with someone who speaks a completely different language. Yet, still be able to understand and communicate with each other on some level, is amazing. We need Diversity to learn, grow, fellowship, be able to problem solve from different angles in order to continue on the path of making our society the best version we can make it.”

“But I also believe that tolerance can be taught. It can be taught in families, schools and universities. It can become part of each of us, a way of living that sets us free from prejudice and from judging people before trying to understand them. It can also be practiced by our governments and politicians on a national and international level, it can make room for a more peaceful coexistence between different social, economical, religious and political groups."

I believe that education, from school to college, on topics that can give rise to intolerance; the promotion of a safe space in the workplace for anyone to express themselves; and the role of the media and social networks in relativizing "difference" are all very effective strategies when used in the right way and with the right purpose.”

“Reasoning is essential for tolerance. It means you think about the things you don’t agree with. Instead of simply rejecting them, you reflect on the fact you disagree with them and why you do. The reasons for tolerance are moral and political: you valuate positively the right to think or act in different ways. This separates tolerance from indifference.”

“My argument is that we must all speak, and speak together, if anything is to change, recognising the differences in opportunity, experience, and privilege that prevail in our unequal society. The ambition seems immense, yet dialogue is taking place across the globe via protest, education, art, research, and in political arenas. My hope for the future is that the voices raised will be raised together in a collective shout as they speak their truth to power.”

“Ultimately, fostering mutual respect in society necessitates finding elements of ourselves in everyone we encounter. At the very least, a glance at their feet – a shared humanity symbolized by the wearing of socks – can serve as a humble reminder that beneath the surface, we are all fundamentally the same. Tolerance is recognizing our shared humanity and embracing it as the foundation for a harmonious and empathetic society.”

“Whether to 忍 or to 明白, it is all in the mindset. If everyone plays their role in being a little more open-minded, a little more kind-hearted and a little more willing to tolerate and 明白, these clashes and differences would unite us, instead of divide us. Showing empathy towards others would bridge any gaps or differences in culture, religion, opinion and insights, and the world would be more peaceful and harmonious even in a time of division. Therefore, tolerance was never about breaking down walls between different views; it was and will always be about building bridges.”

“Recognising tolerance as a legal value is also imperative to maintain the strength of tolerance. It is not a mere idealistic vision, or an altruistic choice. It can be used to bridge relations, strengthen legal values and build a cohesive society. For me, tolerance means the ability to realise solidarity, fraternity and dialogue – the cornerstones of any democratic and liberal society.”

“Tolerance, if nothing else, must mean tolerance of others who do not act or think or see the world in the way we expect them to. Unless the law recognises what Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie calls the ‘danger of a single story’, intersectional thought will not be able to improve our laws, instead further sowing the division and friction it aims to undo.”

“I think the question of pronouns simply did not occur to him. I got the sense that he had seen me, taken me in, and shrugged to himself. Had told himself, ‘I guess this is what the kids are into these days.’ This, maybe, is what tolerance is: not a perfect understanding of one another, but a willingness to look for similarities before looking for differences.”

“This desire to protect human rights comes from economic and political microaggressions for years and is propelled by advice from my mother: “Have courage and be kind.” It takes courage to leap into action against injustices and kindness for listening and working with others. We should not be talking at each other; we should be talking with each other. #ToleranceMeansWeHaveBraveSpaces”

“None of us alone can bring tolerance to this campus but it is in the populous, it is us together as a whole, that can forge a tolerant society through the humanization of those we may consider as ‘opposition’.”

My journey as a peacemaker in the LGBTQ+/religious divide happened quite accidentally. I am very openly religious so I never would have guessed that there was space for me to lead on issues surrounding the LGBTQ+ community. The opportunity to be involved in this sacred way came through sincere relationships with members of the LGBTQ+ community and from these relationships grew understanding and a desire to make space for these friends in all places.

The goal of tolerance is not to convince someone with a different opinion to believe you. It is to reach a common understanding and mutual respect for those who are different. Understanding the unique experiences and perspectives that contribute to their ideas is significant and brings people together rather than tears them apart. In a country that might not be divided by boundary lines but is certainly divided by political and ideological lines, tolerance is essential to the well-being of our country. Just as Abraham Lincoln advocated for a nation of unity in a highly divisive period of history, tolerance can help bring together people when divisiveness is threatening to tear them apart.

Tolerance isn’t always easy, but it can teach us the greatest lesson in life if we allow it to. Tolerance is essential to a growth mindset. It allowed my parents to move beyond judgment and toward deeper care for me, even if that took ten years. Tolerance allowed me to let a part of my identity I had been suppressing for so long, in. Tolerance allows for the complexities of the world, of people and differences, to better make sense, together.

I believe that people should seek to find a common ground when thinking about the conflict. Perhaps it’s possible to support Palestine but denounce Hamas killing Israeli civilians. Maybe it’s possible to support Israel but denounce Israel killing Palestinian civilians. Why can’t we find a moral common ground? I believe it’s possible to denounce the killing of innocent civilians on both sides. I believe it’s possible to be both pro-Israel and pro-Palestine.

“Attending Historically Black Colleges thus far, I have learned a lot of tolerance. Tolerance can bleed into perseverance. Our institutions are sometimes viewed as having less resources, less-qualified students, and definitely not a top landing spot for students. But after experiencing the HBCU life for my undergraduate experience, I yearned for it at the graduate level.”

“Through studying human behavior and cognition, I have come to understand that our capacity for empathy and understanding is at the heart of fostering tolerance. It is through education and self-reflection that we can dismantle stereotypes and biases, paving the way for a more tolerant society. Tolerance is the cornerstone of a thriving, inclusive society. It calls upon us to not merely accept, but to celebrate our differences, recognizing that they enrich the fabric of humanity.”

“It is the effects of intolerance such as this that Popper rightfully addressed as falling outside of defendable behavior due to the threat it presents to the marginalized society member’s natural rights such as life, liberty, and happiness. A tolerant society cannot exist in the face of one intolerant member if that member is permitted to exercise the harms of their beliefs unto others. An ocean of tolerance is poisoned by one drop of intolerance.”

“Considering tolerance to be the pinnacle of resolution only sets progress further back, creating a false veil of understanding and acceptance, while resentment bubbles beneath the surface. Though tolerance may be the acknowledgement of both the black and white of an issue, progress can only come through willingly choosing to see the myriad of gray found between the two extremes.”

“Tolerance may be an ideal for some, and I would agree it is, but that is not what all it is. Tolerance, fundamentally, is a necessity. As human beings we are fundamentally motivated by our self-interest and our self-interest, rationally thought out, commands us to be tolerant.”

“Too often, we find ourselves living in a world which feeds off polarisation and encourages division and intolerance. Paradoxically, I would argue that we need more disagreement - but of the agreeable sort which leads to discovery, compromise and, above all, tolerance.”

“So – what does any of this have to do with tolerance. The answer is that tolerance is the other side of the harm principle. Democratic governments are, in certain circumstances at least, all too willing to over-police harms that ought to be overlooked. We shouldn’t be surprised that they are – that governments tend to prioritise popularity and policy over liberty is exactly why Mill felt the need to articulate the harm principle in the first place.”

“Empathy, the ability to understand each other, should be the first intentional step in the tolerance conversation; even when barriers separate us, if we try to see the other’s struggle, I believe we can break down the wall that separates us. Unfortunately, the path of tolerance is not a fairy tale. It is uncomfortable, painful, and a never-ending story.”

“In this political climate, institutions of all kinds like to publicize that their practices are sensitive to every minority under the sun. In practice, however, it is another thing entirely to tolerate, to consciously view one another as human and enact practices to ensure common well-being. It is uncomfortable, and difficult, yet necessary.”

“Tolerance. Webster’s Dictionary defines tolerance as “sympathy or indulgence for beliefs or practices differing from or conflicting with one’s own.” This is the definition most people veer towards when speaking of tolerance, especially religious tolerance.”

“I see tolerance as the ability to listen to ideas and beliefs without immediately accepting or rejecting those ideas or beliefs. It is a curiosity for knowledge outside one’s worldview and humility that recognizes no one person has the monopoly on truth or morality. I see tolerance as a means by which I have encountered life-changing perspectives and embarrassing ignorance.”

“I can begin a dialogue about the barrier to higher education, introducing them to the unanticipated problems people in my world face when they are at a financial disadvantage, and they can provide the resources and connections to solve the problem. To me, tolerance is not just reluctant acceptance, or a pitying understanding. It is two sides coming together to make a difference.”

“Changing someone’s belief is a matter of gentle non-judgment rather than harsh shame. No one wants to be yelled at. No one is going to be embarrassed into a different way of thinking. No, the only way to successfully express and convince someone of a new paradigm is by understanding the place and paradigm from which they come. In other words: listen first, talk later.”