Skip to content

Intolerance Quote by Haruki Murakami

“Narrow minds devoid of imagination. Intolerance, theories cut off from reality, empty terminology, usurped ideals, inflexible systems. Those are the things that really frighten me. What I absolutely fear and loathe. Of course it’s important to know what’s right and what’s wrong. Individual errors…” quote by Haruki Murakami
Download Open image
““Narrow minds devoid of imagination. Intolerance, theories cut off from reality, empty terminology, usurped ideals, inflexible systems. Those are the things that really frighten me. What I absolutely fear and loathe. Of course it’s important to know what’s right and what’s wrong. Individual errors in judgment can usually be corrected. As long as you have the courage to admit mistakes, things can be turned around. But intolerant, narrow minds with no imagination are like parasites that transform the host, change form, and continue to thrive.””

Haruki Murakami

About This Quote

Source Essay: “The Parasite of Narrow Minds”, 2015

Intolerant, unimaginative thinking is likened to a parasite that corrupts and persists, while admitting mistakes allows change.

In simple terms: Closed minds are harmful; openness enables growth.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate imagination and humility.

Themes

intolerance imagination growth humility criticism

Mood

critical thought‑provoking

Type

essay reflective

When to use this quote

  • political discourse
  • education
  • workplace culture
  • personal development

Key Concepts

philosophy psychology social critique

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you encourage open‑mindedness?
  • What steps help admit personal errors?
A Different Perspective

Changing entrenched mindsets is difficult.

4.4 out of 5 (7 ratings)

More by Haruki Murakami

Explore all 2,930 Haruki Murakami quotes

More Intolerance quotes

Browse all 572 Intolerance quotes