Abroad, the Netherlands is known for one thing. Not for cheese, clogs, or tulips, but for its tolerance. In the 17th century, the Netherlands was a refuge for people persecuted for their faith or opinions. But what does tolerance really mean? In this seventh episode of our science podcast "Oh Ja Joh?!", professor and philosopher Wiep van Bunge answers these questions.
Tolerance flourished in the 17th-century Republic of the Netherlands. Especially in the realm of religion: most faiths were permitted to a certain extent. A unique situation that foreign tourists looked at with astonishment. Nowadays, less people are religious. And so, tolerance now often extends to other matters as well.
Empathising with others
Rotterdammers on the street state that little of this tolerance remains. Wiep agrees with this as well. How can we improve this? 'By opening yourself up to different viewpoints. And talk with the other person instead of about the other person', says the philosopher.
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