Today is International Day of Tolerance

"The Golden Rule" by Norman Rockwell - "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

 

When the UN turned 50 on November 16, 1996, it adopted a Declaration of Principles on Tolerance. This document came about to mark a couple of auspicious occasions, such as the 125th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi as well as the UN designation of 1995 as the Year for Tolerance. The declaration is well worth reading as it encourages true consideration of what tolerance means; more than simply getting along, it promotes actively learning about and feeling empathy toward others. More information about this special day can be found on the UN's website. With increasing globalization, the world is shrinking right before us, but this also causes fear and misunderstanding. Ironically, the more connected we are, the more insular we're becoming!