Tolerance
Over the past generation, the so-called virtue of tolerance has suddenly surpassed all other virtues. Since being in the Gulch, I have become increasingly aware of how tolerance can be a signal to others to trample on you like a doormat.
On the other hand, whereas intolerance of error gets you branded outside the Gulch, here it is often viewed as the correct response. In fact, Ms. Rand was one of the least tolerant people in the last 100 years. I am now beginning to view that as an endearing quality.
Please enlighten me as to whether you consider tolerance and/or politeness are virtuous or not, and of course, explain the basis for your viewpoint.
On the other hand, whereas intolerance of error gets you branded outside the Gulch, here it is often viewed as the correct response. In fact, Ms. Rand was one of the least tolerant people in the last 100 years. I am now beginning to view that as an endearing quality.
Please enlighten me as to whether you consider tolerance and/or politeness are virtuous or not, and of course, explain the basis for your viewpoint.
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On the flip side, I find my intolerance threshold is quite low, in regard to the utter stupidity and abject ignorance that is daily displayed by those in positions of governance. Why they have a say over my life causes me extreme displeasure, and I've become most intolerant of those who support the scheme to take from me what hasn't been earned by anyone else. I also place in this same category those who refuse to ever learn to think for themselves, and remain stubbornly steadfast in their conflicting premises.
So for me, there are logical degrees of tolerance. Age and experience have a significant role in it.
Tolerance, as a supposed virtue, was never defined by them as to what it is, only what it is *not*.
And what it is not is every smear that the Ruling Class can successfully fling at their political and philosophical opponents.
Tolerance is the outward identification and profession of faith that you are not in any kind of agreement with the non-persons who the Ruling Class have labeled as scum.
It is a self-reinforcing plank with a nail hammered through it.
It is the easy way out for the non-confrontational.
It is a justification for the malevolent.
Politeness, on the other hand, is often what I call tact.
If I've got to do or say something that will piss you off, let me frame it in a way that you can at least understand the point of view.
You mentioned tolerating error. Tolerating error is a critical life skill, IMHO, because human beings are so prone to error. We don't *accept* the errors, but we must tolerate them as a fact of life to live with ourselves and get along others.