Our understanding of the word tolerance is influenced by the verb tolerate, which evokes a negative connotation, as indicated by the following definitions and quotations:
Larousse
To support someone or something, to accept their presence.
TLFI
To agree to endure the presence, to admit the existence of someone.
Tolerance should only be a transitory state. It must lead to respect.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe,1749-1832.
Tolerance is experienced as a difficult, superficial gesture, a source of negative emotions, as differences continue to inconvenience, make uncomfortable, worry, frighten or arouse disapproval.
This negative connotation of the verb to tolerate can be seen in many of its synonyms: to endure, to suffer, to bear, to concede, to admit, to undergo and to deign … other synonyms are more neutral, such as allow, authorize and accept.
* Source: TLFi (Trésor de la langue française informatisée), (CNRS), proposed synonyms for the word tolerance.
It is therefore not possible to include tolerance among the human values that consolidate living together, nor to teach it if the pedagogical objective is to reinforce this living together.
See also the 1995 UNESCO definition of tolerance (next definition in this peace dictionary). The text broadens its meaning to include the positive human values of respect, acceptance and appreciation, not of individuals, but of the richness and diversity of cultures….