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About this quote

What does it mean?
Tolerance often only requires outward belief, not genuine conviction.
In plain terms
Authorities do not care what you truly believe, only that you pretend.
What can you take from it?
Compliance matters more than truth to some powers.

Where it applies

  • totalitarian regimes
  • social compliance

Putting it to work

  • examine loyalty demands
  • value sincerity

Questions to consider

  • What counts as real belief?
  • When is conformity required?

Another view

True tolerance respects internal diversity.

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