toleration
readiness to take account of the needs and interests of others. It involves being open and listening and, at least initially, accepting them in their own terms. It does not necessarily entail receiving all that another says or does uncritically. That would involve an inappropriate abdication of personal presence from the meeting with the other on the part of the person showing tolerance. A commitment to mutual understanding, which is at the heart of genuine tolerance, makes demands on all parties. Although no forceful imposition or rejection of the other's beliefs will be involved, the demands may involve challenge to deeply held beliefs and values.