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For tolerance (and you must remember this when you grow…

“For tolerance (and you must remember this when you grow older), is of very recent origin and even the people of our own so-called "modern world" are apt to be tolerant only upon such matters as do not interest them very much.” quote by Hendrik Willem van Loon
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““For tolerance (and you must remember this when you grow older), is of very recent origin and even the people of our own so-called "modern world" are apt to be tolerant only upon such matters as do not interest them very much.””

Hendrik Willem van Loon

About This Quote

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

Tolerance is a relatively recent social development, often limited to issues that people find personally relevant.

In simple terms: Tolerance is new and selective.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and expand empathy beyond personal interest.

Themes

tolerance history social change

Mood

reflective critical

Type

philosophical observational

When to use this quote

  • education
  • political discourse
  • community building
  • media consumption

Key Concepts

cultural evolution psychology bias

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we foster genuine tolerance for distant issues?
  • What barriers prevent broader empathy?
A Different Perspective

Tolerance may be superficial when not personally motivated.

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