Tolerance is a sociological, cultural and religious term relating to the collective and individual ability to live peacefully with those who believe and act differently from us, it is a term related to the ability to bear, without being harmed, something that in itself could be unpleasant or harmful.
In a sociological sense, Tolerance is manifested in those who, theoretically and practically, show respect for those who believe, think and act differently on the principles of ethics, politics, science, art, literature, religion etc. The term “Tolerance” has a negative connotation, indicating an attitude or a state of mind for which it is accepted that others profess different principles, but recognizing in it the error and deciding to bear it and to receive it to avoid more significant damages or peeves.
Tolerance could be considered a selfish aspect of superiority: “I tolerate you because after all, I am superior, and I remain indifferent“. From a political and religious point of view, historically, Tolerance, has always been the most crucial aspect, since it was the political and religious differences that inspired the cruellest wars and persecutions. The idea of tolerance as patience towards the different, was born in the modern state, characterized by an ideology based on linguistic, legal, economic, religious uniformity, opposed to the medieval conception of a rather composite and multifaceted state, where diversity was seen instead as an added value.
Tolerance, as an ideal, is theorized from the dawn of the Enlightenment. In the 18th century, the English philosopher Locke wrote the famous “Letter on Tolerance”. Voltaire, at the height of Enlightenment, resumed this concept and wrote “The Treaty on Tolerance”. There is a phrase associated with the concept of Tolerance, attributed to Voltaire that makes us think: “I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it”.
Religious Tolerance was once a utopia, separatism was the only possible solution to prevent the proliferation of religious wars. Today, trying to overcome history, many political leaders speak of Religious Tolerance as an equal sign of civilization, but many others instead think it is a form of interest, fear and utopia.
In particular, they think that: it is a form of interest when confrontation is avoided to safeguard business with a group or a nation. It is a form of fear when an encounter with the strongest is avoided at the expense of one’s rights. For these reasons, according to some, it would be above all a utopia. When someone talks about Tolerance, they should analyze the real meaning of the term. A child, a spouse, or a friend is not tolerated. They were tolerating means to endure. So Tolerance means endurance, but, if it causes us harm, perseverance implies submission.
Anyone who uses a bit of critical spirit quickly understands that Tolerance, the especially religious one, would only be possible if extremism were blunted. If we think about 1960, it was quite easy for an Italian and for an Iranian to talk about Religious Tolerance because, in fact, in their country, there were no interactions with other religions. Today this is no longer the case; we live in a society that has transformed and is mentally more open with multiracial convivial living. Our country in the path of its evolution welcomes and rescues thousands of refugees and grants the construction of different centres of worship.
Today in the time of the Coronavirus, Italy faces a further new reality made of changes, fears, concerns, restrictions, controls and additional limitations on privacy. Therefore, I wonder, if Tolerance is to be considered a virtue, as it allows men of different characters, thoughts, conditions, nationality and religion to talk and work to achieve the same goal, in the most absolute and mutual respect. The terms of Freedom, Equality, Respect and Brotherhood that are increasingly mentioned will we ever be able to see them respected and applied to and from all humankind.
I also wonder if the new way of life characterized by limitations of freedom and privacy imposed by the presence of the Coronavirus, more precisely Covid-19, which have put a strain on both the emotional and behavioural aspect of the population will increase or decrease our Tolerance?
Will the sociological, health, and economic lack of preparation of our nation and many other states, clearly proportional to the spread of the Coronavirus, increase or decrease our Tolerance?
Will our tolerance increase or decrease relative to the Global Economy more and more inclined to profit rather than to the human being?
Throughout my life, I’ve cherished, and diligently followed, my esteemed Professor’s advice: “May you thrive in the ability to listen in silence, so that you may be less impulsive, more reflective, more evaluative and analytical of the ideas and behaviours of others”. This will allow you to avoid making premature judgments, and you will strengthen your Tolerance.
by Katya Omes