Definition: The ability to endure things - usually opinions, points of view, perspectives, or behaviours - that are not necessarily in agreement with one’s own.
Tolerance is a valuable asset in order to remain respectful and open to the ideas, opinions and behaviours of others. Tolerating the opinions of others without inserting your own values and opinions to diminish or dismiss theirs is essential in order to respect their lifestyle and the opinions and values that build that lifestyle. Tolerance is relevant within religion, spirituality, politics, parenting styles, and the list goes on. Respecting others’ choices in all those areas simultaneously is what it means to be tolerant.
An example of respectful tolerance would be political opinions, especially strongly differing ones. During campaigns it is essential to understand the valid reasons and perspectives that contribute to the different reasons an individual votes for a party, and you should isolate their vote from their morals. In a democracy, we have a right to vote, therefore it is important to be tolerant and understanding. Tolerance is an aspect of respect, and being respectful of others rights to their vote, which entails their differing opinions, religions, behaviours, and priorities.
Tolerance is a moral
It is important to be open-minded and understand that others have differing opinions because individuals have diverse life experiences, backgrounds, and reasoning for the construction of one’s values, priorities and opinions. Morals and values, including justice, empathy, and tolerance, are generally universally appreciated because they construct the moral of respect that is essential. Understanding that other people have valid reasons to hold different spiritualities despite how their beliefs differ from yours allows you to be respectful of that person.
Tolerance and empathy
Empathy is arguably the strongest behavioural motivator. Empathy leads to understanding of and sensitivity towards others, their thoughts and feelings, which is the key to tolerance. Having the ability to understand the effect of someone else’s feelings and the feelings associated with their opinions and behaviours helps the individual reject prejudice based on their own opinions and accept the individual and tolerate their opposing opinions.
How to develop your Tolerance
Open your mind to the diverse opinions, religions, behaviours, and priorities of others.
Educate yourself on the diverse opinions, religions, behaviours, and priorities of others.
Make new friends regardless of their differing opinions, religions, behaviours, and priorities.
Fight the innate urge to react in anger when hearing or witnessing differing opinions, religions, behaviours, and priorities.
Don’t be afraid to have open conversations, ask questions or inquire about why or how others have developed their opinions, religions, behaviours, and priorities.
Try to avoid speculation and instead make an effort to educate yourself and form your own opinion, rather than blindly believing what someone says or using assumptions prior to having all the facts.
Adjust your perspective and consider the perspective of others.
References
Witenberg, R.T. (2019, June 28). Tolerance is more than putting up with things – it's a moral virtue. The Conversation. http://theconversation.com/tolerance-is-more- than-putting-up-with-things-its-a-moral-virtue-31507
Corissajoy. (2016, June 29). Tolerance. Beyond Intractability. https://www.beyondintractability.or g/essay/tolerance
Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Tolerance. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tolerance
Szilagyi, P.G., Dreyer, B.P., Fuentes-Afflick, E., Coyne-Beasley, T., & First, L. (2017, June 1). The Road to Tolerance and Understanding. American Academy of Pediatrics. https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/139/6/e20170741
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