I’ve been thinking about Jocko Willink's “good” philosophy, of accepting negative things happening and finding ways to use those things to improve your future. It’s a very ‘old-school’ approach; it reminds me of the idealized tales of the G.I. Generation’s resolve. Bad things happen—you can either accept it and get over it and get on with your life, or you can cry about it and become a victim.

What a stark contrast to today’s climate, in which intolerance breeds rigidity. You’re either a Democrat or Republican. The economy should be open or it shouldn’t. There is no middle ground, and to be on the other side is to be canceled, ignored, and blocked. Consider Trump’s campaign against mail-in voting for the upcoming November election. He makes unsubstantiated claims about extensive voter fraud—but does nothing about it. There are no proactive steps taken to investigate the potential for fraud or subsequent action taken to mitigate that potential.

When it comes to passive intolerance, the American public can’t qualify themselves as better. We allow or actively create online echo chambers through our social media platforms. How often do we have a civil discussion with someone across the political spectrum? How truly diverse are the majority of our neighborhoods? If our country identifies with and values the concept of ‘the melting pot,’ wouldn’t we view tolerance as a universal virtue?

Tolerance is hard, especially simultaneously at all levels of society. It requires work, and it takes time. But let’s stop going backwards. Each and every one of us has a responsibility to focus on being more tolerant of others’ differences. It is a prerequisite for a modern, diverse society to function properly. We can all ask ourselves, “what do I abhor? Why? Is that intolerant of me?” Because at the end of the day, do we not all want the same thing—health, wealth, and happiness for ourselves and our loved ones?

Tolerance enables more communication, better compromise, and an inclusive society. It will not be perfect. Good. Let’s make it better.