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WISDOM
Tolerance of Intolerance
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Christi Strickland
Uploaded on 01/22/2008

Is it wise for a tolerant person to tolerate intolerance? 

As a person who deeply values difference as a creative and evolutionary force, I want to be true to this value and be able tolerate intolerance.  However, there seems to be a danger in this, as the intolerant tend to try to convert, control, marginalize, and to the extreme destroy the "other."  

Fundamentalism has some important components, including staying true to the basics, the fundamentals.  However, the intolerance connected to fundamental views is a great danger to the survival of civilization, and we know that homogenizing any species, seed crop, situation, etc. ultimately leads to it's decline (basic science - diversification = ability to adapt to which is essential to survival).     

But can one really call themselves tolerant if they cannot be open to intolerance? 

Any musings here would be very welcomed.   

 

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