Character Quote by Allen W. Wood
““Lovers of freedom are, of course, also by and large lovers of tolerance and permissiveness. Being tolerant and permissive, especially toward others, but even at times toward oneself, are virtues. But as virtues, tolerance and permissiveness always have limits -- there is always the intolerable and the impermissible. Unlimited tolerance and permissiveness are not virtues; in the end, they are even enemies of freedom. Freedom, therefore, is not wholly opposed to coercion. Freedom even consists, in part, in certain kinds of coercion. Moral autonomy consists in rational self-coercion, civil freedom in rightful external social (state) coercion.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Political Philosophy, 2020
Tolerance is a virtue but must have limits; absolute tolerance undermines freedom, which includes some coercion.
In simple terms: Unlimited tolerance harms freedom; balanced limits needed.
Key Takeaway
Set reasonable limits on tolerance.
Themes
freedom
tolerance
coercion
ethics
political philosophy
Mood
analytical
thought‑provoking
Type
philosophical
academic
When to use this quote
- policy debates
- educational curricula
- community standards
- legal frameworks
Key Concepts
Virtue ethics
social contract
autonomy
state authority
Questions to Reflect On
- When should tolerance be restricted?
- How does coercion protect freedom?
A Different Perspective
Balancing tolerance and security is complex and context‑dependent.
