The aim of tolerance is peaceful coexistence. While tolerance recognises individuality and diversity, it removes divisive masks and defuses tension created by ignorance. It provides us with the opportunity to discover and remove stereotypes and social stigmas associated with perceived differences arising from nationality, religion or heritage. Tolerance transcends differences; it sees them but goes beyond them.

Through understanding and open-mindedness, a tolerant person attracts someone different, and by genuinely accepting and accommodating that person, demonstrates tolerance in a practical form. As a result, relationships blossom.

Tolerance is an inner strength which enables the individual to face and transform misunderstandings and difficulties. It is like a protective shield which allows us to stay full and content and not be threatened by people or circumstances.

Tolerance is not to ignore or be indifferent to the well-being of another. A tolerant person is like a tree with an abundance of fruits; even when pelted with sticks and stones, the tree gives its fruit in return. A family tree can be drawn for the entire human family, with the trees' many limbs and branches each representing a different nation or people and having smaller families of their own. Seeing our common ancestry in this way we should understand the subtle links that still connect us today and realise that intolerance of another is tantamount to intolerance of myself. Coexistence is possible; existence alone and without others is not.

Intolerance is born of ignorance and fear; tolerance is born of getting to know others as they are, accepting and respecting them in their own right.