TOLERANCE

There are very few things in life that make me “ballistic” with rage. Alcoholics, drug-abusers and people who won’t or can’t be bothered to help themselves. I wish this trait was shared by far more inhabitants, everywhere.

Tolerance is nothing new; in 17^th century Holland it was said that “at this time of economic dynamism, prosperity and tolerance were seen as twins”. One feeds from the other. And his dynamism kept pushing “innovation” leading to far-reaching changes in arts, sciences and philosophy as well as religion (which I have no intention of examining here), and the emergence of democracy and an advance of freedom. I sincerely hope that this state of affairs will continue long after I am forgotten….

I am particularly drawn to the words of John Locke in his “Letter Concerning Toleration”, in which he maintains:

“Controversy between people(s) is equal, and there is no judge

on Earth who can determine who is right or wrong. That question

is in the hands of the Supreme Judge; only he can say what

punishment is valid. But until then, let all men consider

how they have gone astray, how badly they have offended each other.

No man has the right to misuse or abuse others.”

I cannot argue against this. Which brings me to why I am writing this. Put simply, we are coming to a time of year when peace and goodwill to everyone is a message heard everywhere.

PEACE + GOODWILL = TOLERANCE

That’s my message…

I leave you with it,

Until next time (with tolerance),

Peripatetic Scribe

(Back in 2014)