In a world increasingly fraught with division and hostility, the concept of tolerance is not just important; it is essential. Tolerance, defined as the willingness to accept beliefs and behaviours different from one’s own, is the bedrock of a truly free society. Without it, we risk descending into chaos and tyranny.
As children, we are naturally inquisitive, constantly asking ‘why’ about the world around us:
Why is the sky blue?
Why must I brush my teeth?
Why do bees sting?
Why do I have to go to school?
This curiosity helps us understand the world.
As we grow older, we become less interested in ‘why’ and begin exploring the ‘what’ and ‘how’ of various facets of the universe and the people we encounter. At university, the foundation of education involves exploring new ideas, engaging in discussion, debate, and often disagreement. This process of exploration tests our hypotheses about life, the universe, and everything (to borrow from Douglas Adams). We experiment with new ideas, we challenge assertions, we dispute questionable arguments, and then we decide which concepts are useful. The principles of discussion, debate, and disagreement remain vital for delving deeply into new concepts. Many ideas are discarded, while others help us to form our own values and belief systems.
However, an ugly change has emerged: it is no longer acceptable to discuss certain topics. A culture of censorship has taken hold in many Western countries, which paradoxically still claim to be bastions of free speech.
Those who transgress against the new orthodoxy risk being ejected, ostracised from society, and painted as villains by the self-proclaimed ‘thought police.’
At what point did free speech become so costly?
When did our society become so intolerant of alternative points of view that even mentioning them risks vilification?
Tolerance is not a mere nicety, not just a politeness of the well brought-up; it is the lifeblood of a free society. Without it, censorship will drive alternative points of view underground, it will create discord and division. Without tolerance, we are doomed to perpetual conflict and oppression. Tolerance ensures the coexistence of diverse cultures, religions, and ideologies, enabling individuals to express themselves freely and without fear. It is the lubricant that enables people with a wide variety of viewpoints to rub along together, to coexist. It oils the wheels of a diverse society, fostering dialogue, innovation, and progress.
A society that lacks tolerance is destined to implode.
Intolerance breeds hatred, violence, and division. It creates a landscape where only the loudest, most aggressive voices are heard, silencing minority groups and stifling dissent. In such a society, freedom is simply an illusion, as fear and oppression become the norm. True freedom can only flourish in an environment where tolerance is actively practiced and upheld. Our own desire to live in an open and fair society must also extend to everyone else. If we expect others to be tolerant of our views, we too must be tolerant of theirs.
In today’s globalised world, the stakes are higher than ever. The rise of populism, nationalism, and xenophobia threatens to unravel the progress we have made towards a more tolerant society. As communities have become more polarised, the need for tolerance becomes increasingly urgent. We cannot afford to be passive; we must actively cultivate and defend tolerance in our societies.
Education is a critical tool in this fight. By teaching young people the value of tolerance and empathy, we can foster a generation that is more resilient to the poison of bigotry. Schools and communities must become educators for tolerance, places where open dialogue, understanding and acceptance are actively promoted.
My father, Sir Nicholas Winton, exemplified the impact one person can have in standing against intolerance. In 1939, he orchestrated the rescue of 669 mostly Jewish children from Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia, bringing them to safety in the United Kingdom. His actions during the Kindertransport rescue mission were a defiant stand against the prevailing winds of bigotry and genocide.
His legacy challenges us to embrace tolerance as a radical and active force for good. His life’s work calls us to fight against intolerance and stand up for the rights and dignity of all people. Before silencing someone for having disagreeable views, stop and ask yourself: Why do you have the right to restrict the freedom of another? Why are you entitled to speak your mind but also entitled to prevent another from doing the same?
In honouring his memory, we must commit to building a world where tolerance prevails and every individual is afforded the respect and freedom they deserve.
Anything less is not just a failure of morality but a threat to the very fabric of our society.
© Nick Winton 2024