Tolerance

 

 

 

All I care to know is that a [person] is a human being, that is enough for me

 

Mark Twain

 

 

The tolerance that we have for the beliefs and actions of others often affects our happiness and also theirs. There is a line from a song which goes:

 

What the world needs now is love, sweet love...

 

Perhaps what the world needs also needs now is more tolerance. Lack of tolerance and too much prejudice is the source of much unhappiness. Most people embrace the ideal of happiness and well being for others. This ideal is fostered by individuals, religious faiths, and nations throughout the world. There is also a significant amount of prejudice in many people. Two of the most common types of prejudice seem to be associated with race and religion.

 

Religious prejudice is an incredible irony. All religions emphasize treating others with dignity, respect, understanding, and love. That is a golden rule type of thinking and seems to be a cornerstone to all religions. The writings of virtually every religion include verses which say something along this line:

 

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

 

Ironically, many who profess to follow their particular religion have little tolerance for the beliefs of others. Even within different groups, sects, or denominations of a single religion, there is often this lack of tolerance or understanding.

 

It does not seem that a Supreme Being, Almighty Power, or whatever Entity is the foundation of any religion would intend for people to treat others badly because of their beliefs. Rather, it seems logical that emphasis on treating others with a golden rule approach is embedded in the foundation of each religion and is of paramount importance.

 

The discussion on religious tolerance in this book is included because most people are significantly influenced by their religious beliefs and training. Since tolerance is a fundamental of religion, and happiness is often affected by tolerance, it is definitely worth a strong emphasis.

 

Racial tolerance is equally important to the happiness of many people. Racial prejudice has existed throughout modern history and is still very prevalent. Consider this thought:

 

There is no value, no merit, and no worth in being prejudice toward anyone because of their race.

 

If someone is encouraging you to a prejudiced way of thinking, then they are giving you poor advice. Prejudice is in direct conflict with a golden rule philosophy. Consider this thought when dealing with anyone:

 

If you treat others the same as you would like to be treated, you will eliminate prejudice from your actions.

 

There are numerous people throughout history who have spoken out strongly against prejudice and intolerance. Many founding fathers of America as well as other countries were outspoken critics of prejudice and bias. Consider this quote by Thomas Jefferson:

 

I will never by any word or act bow to the shrine of intolerance.

 

If people can embrace this attitude, then the happiness of many will increase.

 

In a speech, Martin Luther King asked for tolerance of people of color:

 

I have a dream....where [people] will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.

 

There is also sometimes a lack of tolerance for the physical or mental condition of individuals. Some people are tall, others short, some heavy and some thin, and some have other physical differences. These types of differences are the way people are and many such characteristics cannot be changed. Even though some characteristics can be changed, it is the individuals choice to do so.

 

Accept people for what they are. You will feel better about them and yourself.

 

Throughout history, various groups of peoples have treated certain other groups with disdain, hatred and violence. Whatever has happened in the past relative to unfair, hostile, or brutal treatment of one group or nation by another can never be changed. The Greek philosopher Agathon said:

 

Even God cannot change the past.

 

There is no value to retaining hate or intolerance due to the past. Focus on tolerance and understanding is the key to individuals, religious groups, or any group in getting along.

 

So, what can you do to enhance your tolerance?

 

Examine you own areas of intolerance - ask yourself why you have such feelings.

 

Treat others like you would like to be treated.

 

Be tolerant of the views of others - try to look at their side.

 

Encourage tolerance in others.

 

Strive to eliminate intolerance from your daily life.