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Tolerance is a very dull virtue. It is boring. Unlike…

“Tolerance is a very dull virtue. It is boring. Unlike love, it has always had a bad press. It is negative. It merely means putting up with people, being able to stand things.” quote by E. M. Forster
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“Tolerance is a very dull virtue. It is boring. Unlike love, it has always had a bad press. It is negative. It merely means putting up with people, being able to stand things.”

E. M. Forster

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

A critique that tolerance can be passive and uninspiring, lacking the active compassion of love.

In simple terms: Tolerance can feel boring and negative.

Key Takeaway

Seek active empathy over mere acceptance.

Themes

tolerance passivity compassion virtue

Mood

reflective critical

Type

philosophical social

When to use this quote

  • personal relationships
  • community building
  • conflict resolution
  • cultural integration

Key Concepts

ethical critique social perception

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we turn tolerance into active support?
  • When does tolerance become complicity?
A Different Perspective

Tolerance alone may not foster genuine understanding.

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