Tolerance awareness

Author: He Lai
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2001-04-01
Features: "Tolerance Awareness." The author strictly distinguishes "tolerance" from what we commonly understand as "mercy" or "pity," pointing out that it is not an unattainable sacred virtue or a compassionate and empathetic attitude, but rather a rational and fundamental behavior in daily life. However, it is also not like Zhuangzi’s concept of "forgetting each other in the vast river," which is unprincipled and indifferent. Instead, it is a firm principle, as exemplified by Voltaire’s famous quote: "I may disagree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." The capacity for tolerance is vast, and the author analyzes three different levels:
First, tolerance for the idea and behavior of "not adhering to conventions";
Second, the ability to tolerate direct opposition to one’s beliefs and principles;
Third, tolerance for human weaknesses, such as softness, foolishness, vulgarity, or even sordidness. The author particularly emphasizes the humanitarian significance of the third level of tolerance—that is, acknowledging that all humans are limited and imperfect. This is human nature, and only by leaving enough room for this nature can there be the possibility of gradually improving from imperfection to perfection. However, tolerance is not limitless. The author believes that the limit of tolerance is justice, ensuring equal opportunity (fairness), rather than the content of speech or behavior. Clearly, this is intrinsically linked to formalist views of freedom—i.e., a person’s free actions should be tolerated as long as they do not hinder others’ freedom.
Another thought-provoking question raised by the author is the issue of "the qualification for tolerance"—that is, who has the right to be tolerant? Does anyone (such as a Jew) have the right to tolerate a Nazi who has committed countless atrocities? This demonstrates that tolerance is indeed an intellectual issue, not an emotional one. Responsibilities, obligations, and jurisdictions must all be clearly defined. Relying solely on "sympathy" and the "way of benevolence and forgiveness" is far from sufficient for being a person.