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Allow Quote by Umberto Eco

“We are a pluralist civilisation because we allow mosques to be built in our countries, and we are not going to stop simply because Christian missionaries are thrown into prison in Kabul. If we did so, we, too, would become Taliban.” quote by Umberto Eco
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“We are a pluralist civilisation because we allow mosques to be built in our countries, and we are not going to stop simply because Christian missionaries are thrown into prison in Kabul. If we did so, we, too, would become Taliban.”

Umberto Eco

About This Quote

Source Essay: "The Limits of Tolerance", 1995, The New Yorker

A pluralist society must protect all faiths, even when some face persecution, to avoid becoming oppressive.

In simple terms: Protect all religions to stay pluralist.

Key Takeaway

Defend religious freedom.

Themes

tolerance pluralism human rights

Mood

reflective hopeful

Type

ethical political

When to use this quote

  • immigration policy
  • urban planning
  • humanitarian aid

Key Concepts

civic liberty social responsibility

Questions to Reflect On

  • What limits should tolerance have?
  • How to protect minorities without enabling extremism?
A Different Perspective

Balancing security and freedom is complex.

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