Tolerance was one of the virtues of the European Enlightenment (albeit religious tolerance in most specific cases). After the Enlightenment toleration has been more broadly applied to various non-religious lifestyles and behaviors that are different from one's own. But is tolerance a virtue?1. : capacity to endure pain or hardship : endurance, fortitude, stamina. 2. a. : sympathy or indulgence for beliefs or practices differing from or conflicting with one's own.
What about intolerant people who are bigoted and prejudiced and perhaps dangerous toward others around them. Are such people as that to be tolerated? And if not, then what? What if they refuse to change their minds and remain intolerant? Should that be tolerated?
Is toleration the same as acceptance? Is toleration itself practiced through enduring hardship from others who are intolerant? How does one practice tolerance toward intolerance?
And perhaps more importantly, is tolerance viable? Or does the first one to eradicate all those s/he does not tolerate become the 'winner take all' in life?