The Importance of Conviction in a Republic

In a republic, to be successful we must learn to combine intensity of conviction with a broad tolerance of difference of conviction. Why differences of opinion and matters of religious, political and social belief must exist if conscience and intellect alike are not to be stunted. bitter, internecine hatreds based on such differences are signs that fanaticism is itself but a manifestation of the gloomy bigotry which has been the chief factor in the downfall of so many, many nations.