It is sometimes said that toleration should be refused to…
“It is sometimes said that toleration should be refused to the intolerant. In practice this would destroy it... The only remedy for dogmatism and lies is toleration and the greatest possible liberty of expression.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Tolerating the intolerant threatens the principle of tolerance; free expression is the best defense.
In simple terms: Freedom of speech protects against dogmatism.
Defend open dialogue.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- political debate
- academic discourse
- online forums
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- When should speech be limited?
- How can societies protect both tolerance and safety?
Balancing tolerance with preventing hate speech is complex.