Life and the Power of Tolerance
By Oluwole Solanke (PhD, FCIB)
Life is a mosaic of different people, cultures, beliefs, and perspectives. No two individuals are exactly the same, and therein lies both the beauty and the challenge of human existence. The bridge that helps us coexist, thrive, and grow together is tolerance—the quiet power that softens conflicts, builds peace, and teaches us the art of patience.
Mahatma Gandhi once said, “Intolerance is itself a form of violence and an obstacle to the growth of a true democratic spirit.” Tolerance is not weakness; it is strength under control. It is the wisdom to accept differences without hatred, the grace to disagree without hostility, and the humility to recognize that life is bigger than our personal opinions.
Tolerance: The Oil of Relationships
Every relationship—whether in family, friendship, or workplace—requires tolerance. No matter how much love exists, differences will always surface. Tolerance is the oil that prevents the friction of those differences from tearing relationships apart.
As the Dalai Lama observed, “In the practice of tolerance, one’s enemy is the best teacher.” Sometimes life puts difficult people in our path, not to frustrate us, but to build our character, patience, and maturity.
Why Tolerance Matters in Life
- It fosters peace. Wars, conflicts, and broken homes often start from intolerance. A little patience can prevent a lifetime of regret.
- It promotes growth. By listening to others, even when we disagree, we expand our understanding of life.
- It strengthens character. Tolerance helps us rise above anger, prejudice, and ego.
- It unites humanity. Diversity is not a curse but a blessing. Tolerance helps us celebrate it rather than fear it.
Voltaire once wrote, “Tolerance is the consequence of humanity. We are all formed of frailty and error; let us pardon reciprocally each other’s folly.” To be tolerant is to remember our own imperfections.
The Power of Tolerance in Action
In marriage, tolerance sustains love when emotions run high.
In leadership, tolerance allows room for diverse voices.
In faith, tolerance builds bridges between people of different beliefs.
In daily life, tolerance transforms irritation into understanding.
As an African proverb says, “He who forgives ends the quarrel.” Tolerance, often expressed through forgiveness, is the power to end cycles of bitterness and open doors to healing.
Living a Life of Tolerance
To live with tolerance does not mean accepting wrong as right, nor does it mean losing your values. It means choosing peace over pride, empathy over judgment, and understanding over conflict.
Mark Twain captured it beautifully: “Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” Tolerance is an act of kindness—it makes us truly human.
Conclusion: The Legacy of Tolerance
At the end of life, people may not remember our arguments or victories, but they will remember how we treated them. Tolerance has the power to turn strangers into friends, enemies into allies, and conflicts into opportunities for growth.
So live with patience, walk with humility, and practice tolerance daily. For in life, tolerance is not just a virtue—it is the power that makes peace, love, and progress possible.
