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Democracy Quote by Karl R. 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 against the onslaught of the intolerant, then the tolerant will be destroyed, and tolerance with them. ... We…” quote by Karl R. Popper
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““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 against the onslaught of the intolerant, then the tolerant will be destroyed, and tolerance with them. ... We should claim the right to suppress them if necessary even by force; for it may easily turn out that they are not prepared to meet us on the level of rational argument, but begin by denouncing all argument; they may forbid their followers to listen to rational argument, because it is deceptive, and teach them to answer arguments by the use of their fists or pistols. We should therefore claim, in the name of tolerance, the right not to tolerate the intolerant. We should claim that any movement preaching intolerance places itself outside the law, and we should consider incitement to intolerance and persecution as criminal, in the same way as we should consider incitement to murder, or to kidnapping, or to the revival of the slave trade, as criminal.””

Karl R. Popper

About This Quote

Source Book: The Open Society and Its Enemies, 1945

Unlimited tolerance of intolerance undermines a tolerant society; to preserve tolerance, society must refuse to tolerate the intolerant and may need forceful suppression.

In simple terms: Tolerating intolerance destroys tolerance.

Key Takeaway

Defend tolerance by limiting intolerant actions.

Themes

tolerance society freedom law

Mood

concerned defensive critical

Type

philosophical political ethical

When to use this quote

  • political discourse
  • legal policy
  • education
  • media regulation
  • public safety

Key Concepts

paradox of tolerance civil liberties social contract

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do we balance free speech with protecting tolerance?
  • When is force justified to defend liberal values?
A Different Perspective

Unlimited tolerance can be exploited by violent groups, risking loss of freedoms.

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