Claims Quote by Karl Popper
“Unlimited tolerance must lead to the disappearance of tolerance. If we extend unlimited tolerance even to those who are intolerant, if we are not prepared to defend a tolerant society... then the tolerant will be destroyed, and tolerance with them... We should therefore claim, in the name of tolerance, the right not to tolerate the intolerant.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Open Society and Its Enemies, 1945
Unlimited tolerance, including toward the intolerant, undermines a tolerant society; to protect tolerance, one must refuse to tolerate intolerance.
In simple terms: Tolerance must have limits to protect itself.
Key Takeaway
Defend tolerance by rejecting intolerance.
Themes
tolerance
intolerance
society
defense
philosophy
Mood
thoughtful
concerned
Type
ethical
political
When to use this quote
- public discourse
- education policy
- media regulation
- community standards
Key Concepts
political theory
ethical limits
social cohesion
Questions to Reflect On
- What are the boundaries of acceptable intolerance?
- How can societies protect tolerance without becoming authoritarian?
A Different Perspective
Too strict limits may suppress legitimate dissent.
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