The need to silence those with whom we disagree is not a virtue.
It’s the clearest possible evidence that we are not at ease with who we are or what we believe.
It’s also a powerful tool to keep us off balance as to what we may safely say or think.
Contrary to what we’re sometimes told, tolerance does not equal uniformity of thought.
That’s a characteristic of tyranny.
Even when someone holds a viewpoint that others consider awful, so long as their behavior is peaceful, they have an absolute right to their beliefs.
Peter Bowerman describes how the self-proclaimed enforcers of tolerance have become enablers of authentic intolerance:
“One can only be darkly amused by the delicious irony of those espousing diversity, tolerance, inclusion, and openness being mighty intolerant, exclusive, and closed to the diverse perspectives of others.
Those doing the condemning would be wise to get a refresher in the power, simplicity, and brilliance of one’s natural rights. And to realize that, by definition, living by these rights—and letting others do the same—is the only way this grand experiment of ours can work.”
Seeking to destroy others for perceived differences in opinion should never be mistaken for the higher work of trying to persuade others on the merits of our own beliefs.
Any time we find ourselves wishing to silence another person for merely disagreeing with us, it’s a safe bet that we don’t hold the moral high ground.
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