The great writers to whom the world owes what religious…
“The great writers to whom the world owes what religious liberty it possesses, have mostly asserted freedom of conscience as an indefeasible right, and denied absolutely that a human being is accountable to others for his religious belief. Yet so natural to mankind is intolerance in whatever they really care about, that religious freedom has hardly anywhere been practically realised, except where religious indifference, which dislikes to have its peace disturbed by theological quarrels, has added its weight to the scale.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Freedom of conscience is a fundamental right, yet intolerance hinders its practical realization, only when indifferent parties support it.
In simple terms: Conscience freedom is essential but often blocked by intolerance.
Key Takeaway
Protect and promote indifferent tolerance.
Themes
freedom
tolerance
conscience
rights
Mood
thoughtful
concerned
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- legal reforms
- education
- interfaith dialogue
- public policy
Key Concepts
liberalism
human rights
social contract
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies balance individual conscience with communal harmony?
- What role does indifference play in protecting liberty?
A Different Perspective
Even with tolerance, power structures may still suppress minority beliefs.