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.”
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.
Practice tolerance of opposing views.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- public policy debates
- community decisions
- workplace rules
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What limits should tolerance have?
- How do we protect minority rights?
Tolerance can be socially costly.