Allowance Quote by Frank Herbert
“When strangers meet, great allowance should be made for differences of custom and training.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Letters from a Planetary Society, Frank Herbert, 1970
When people from different backgrounds meet, they should be tolerant and patient, recognizing that customs and training shape behavior.
In simple terms: Be tolerant of cultural differences when meeting strangers.
Key Takeaway
Practice empathy and patience with unfamiliar customs.
Themes
tolerance
empathy
cross‑cultural interaction
Mood
open
thoughtful
respectful
Type
philosophical
advisory
When to use this quote
- travel
- international business
- immigration
- multicultural classrooms
- online forums
Key Concepts
cultural relativism
social adaptation
communication skills
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you respond when cultural differences cause conflict?
- What steps can you take to learn about another’s background?
A Different Perspective
Assuming differences are always benign can overlook power imbalances.
