Skip to content

Acknowledgment Quote by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

“Tolerance should, strictly speaking, be only a passing mood; it ought to lead to acknowledgment and appreciation. To tolerate a person is to affront him.” quote by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Download Open image
“Tolerance should, strictly speaking, be only a passing mood; it ought to lead to acknowledgment and appreciation. To tolerate a person is to affront him.”

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

About This Quote

Source Essay: Maximen und Reflexionen, 1799

Tolerance is a fleeting feeling that should evolve into genuine respect and appreciation, not merely a superficial allowance.

In simple terms: Tolerance must become appreciation, not just a mood.

Key Takeaway

Seek deeper understanding beyond mere tolerance.

Themes

respect appreciation humanity

Mood

thoughtful reflective

Type

philosophical ethical

When to use this quote

  • personal relationships
  • workplace dynamics
  • multicultural interactions

Key Concepts

ethics social cognition

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you move from tolerance to true appreciation?
  • What actions demonstrate genuine respect?
A Different Perspective

Tolerance alone may not change underlying biases.

3.9 out of 5 (7 ratings)

More by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Explore all 2,052 Johann Wolfgang von Goethe quotes

More Acknowledgment quotes

Browse all 119 Acknowledgment quotes