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Agree Quote by Walter E. Williams

“The true test of one's commitment to liberty and private property rights doesn't come when we permit people to be free to do those voluntary things with which we agree. The true test comes when we permit people to be free to do those voluntary things with which we disagree.” quote by Walter E. Williams
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“The true test of one's commitment to liberty and private property rights doesn't come when we permit people to be free to do those voluntary things with which we agree. The true test comes when we permit people to be free to do those voluntary things with which we disagree.”

Walter E. Williams

About This Quote

Source Speech: Economic Freedom Forum, 1998

Liberty is truly tested when people must tolerate actions they disagree with, not just those they support.

In simple terms: Freedom is about tolerating disagreement.

Key Takeaway

Practice tolerance of opposing views.

Themes

liberty tolerance politics

Mood

thoughtful serious

Type

philosophical political

When to use this quote

  • public policy debates
  • community decisions
  • workplace rules

Key Concepts

civil rights property rights social contract

Questions to Reflect On

  • What limits should tolerance have?
  • How do we protect minority rights?
A Different Perspective

Tolerance can be socially costly.

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