Thoughts on Toleration

Perhaps one of the most interesting, and most heated, discussions we had during our philosophy course was the discussion regarding Voltaire’s “Toleration” and it seemed everyone had something to say. The topic of how we as human beings treat others and coexist with different cultures, viewpoints, religions, etc. is always an interesting subject to explore. There is something to be said about the need to understand and tolerate one another. Yet, as our conversation delved into the idea of toleration an interesting point was made: doesn’t the word toleration itself seem to suggest there is something that cannot be accepted, but instead must be tolerated?

It’s something I honestly hadn’t thought about when examining Voltaire’s essay, but after that discussion it’s something I thought a lot about. Personally, I do think that using the word toleration is not the ideal. The conversation should be about inclusion and acceptance. The end goal in ending stereotypes or hatred towards a group because of its general identity is not to deal with it but to embrace it. However, there is something to be said about the steps you have to take to get there. Toleration is far better than hatred. Wouldn’t we rather someone tolerate a group or idea and coexist in a civil manner than either no toleration? If toleration is what it takes to get people to open their minds or to live their life without hurting others than I don’t think it’s such a bad thing. Though being tolerated is not nearly as comforting as being understood, it is at the very least a baby step in the right direction.