The most ominous spirit of our times, as it seems to me, is the indication of the growth of an intolerent spirit. It is the more dangerous when armed, as it usually is, with sincere conviction. It is a spirit whose wrath must be turned away by the soft answers of a sweet reasonableness. It can be exorcised only by invoking the Genius which watched over our infancy and has guided our development- a good Genius- still potent let us believe - the American spirit of civil and religious liberty. Our institutions were not devised to bring about uniformity of opinion; if they had we might well abandon hope. It is important to remember, as has well been said, 'the essential characteristic of true liberty is that under its shelter many different types of life and character and opinion and belief can develop unmolested and unobstructed.'
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Intolerance driven by sincere conviction is dangerous. True liberty allows diverse beliefs to coexist without obstruction.
- In plain terms
- Real freedom means letting different beliefs grow without interference.
- What can you take from it?
- Protect tolerance even when convictions feel certain and right.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When does conviction become intolerance?
- How do you respond to sincere disagreement?
Another view
Some intolerant views may harm others and warrant limits.
More from Charles Evans Hughes
When we lose the right to be different, we lose the privilege to be free.
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