We hear the call to practise the virtue of tolerance and be rid of intolerance. Very good. We must begin our search to find out where intolerance is widely prevalent and  uncontrollably strong, capable of unleashing unthinkable and inhumane miseries.

Leo Tolstoy (1828-1914) , the Russian writer was very vocal when he wrote that the tolerance “of all religions is a law of nature,  stamped on the hearts of all men.”.

A quick look at the way religions conduct themselves would reveal tolerance is not a virtue they admire or respect.

Every religion condemns the system of other religions. Reciprocal condemnation within religions is common. The theist will never tolerate the atheists and the latter will repay the former with the same coin. Whether you call a person a religious or a political reformer the reformative ideas begin with criticism of the old system asserting that he will not be tolerant of the  existing old system.

Every new idea, whether religious or political is a clear signal of intolerance. The wars in the name of religion and the ideological wars had witnessed the slaughtering of the human race.  Isn’t that a clear sign of intolerance?  An American jurist Joseph, Story  (1779-1845) asked a very pertinent question which, it seems, remains unattended or unanswered. He asked：

“How it is possible to imagine that a religion breathing the spirit of mercy and benevolence, teaching the forgiveness of injuries, the exercise of charity, and the return of good for evil, can be so perverted as to breathe the spirit slaughter and persecution, of discord and vengeance, for differences of opinion, is a most accountable and extraordinary phenomenon.

Still more extraordinary, that it should be the doctrine, not of base and wicked men merely, seeking to cover up their own misdeeds, but of good men, seeking the way of salvation with uprightness of heart and purpose. It affords a melancholy proof of the infirmity of human judgment, and teaches a lesson of humility from which spiritual pride may learn meekness, and spiritual zeal a moderating wisdom.

Is there a way to get rid of intolerance and nurture the virtues of tolerance. I doubt there is any because intolerance had been the core value of every form of life. At a very young age we are taught to reject the religious teachings of others and this is strengthened at schools.

What the educational system has failed to teach is  the virtue of understanding,  meaning that we are different but we are human beings. We have different ideas but we are human beings with the unique power to think. Your thoughts might not be acceptable to others just as their thoughts are unacceptable to you. Notwithstanding this obvious difference if you have developed a thinking mind receptive of conflicting views yet maintain your equilibrium you are really a human being.  That, I submit,  is what is needed  the right to think for the good of social environment. Not a right to condemn others with impunity.

It may be impossible to sing requiem to intolerance, but at least we can begin to think that tolerance is a better choice than intolerance.

Tolerance is a sign of patience, intolerance is a sign of violent impatience. Tolerance promotes goodwill, intolerance is the road to disaster.